MXPA03000364A

MXPA03000364A - Promotional system.

Info

Publication number: MXPA03000364A
Application number: MXPA03000364A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Rohan Macarthur Onslow
Original assignee: Promotional Notions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-07-13
Filing date: 2001-07-13
Publication date: 2004-09-13
Also published as: EP1312067A1; WO2002007133A1; US20040050724A1; EP1312067A4; CN1447959A

Abstract

The invention concerns a carrier of information that is releasably affixed to a container, such as a beverage can. The carrier of information may be a small diameter compact disk (CD), or a token, for example. The CD may contain music, video images, games or competitions, or the token may carry printed images, competitions and the like. A consumer may select the promotional system, such as a can of soft drink with a small CD fixed to it, allowing the drink within the container to be enjoyed, along with the CD once it is removed from the can. The system may also include an adaptor to hold the CD, and allow it to be placed into a standard CD player. A method of promotion of a product utilizing this promotional system is also disclosed.

Description

WO 02/07133 To «IIIIMIIIII« I «II (84) Deiignatcd States (regional); AR1P0 patent (OH, OM, PubUshed: E, US, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, DO.ZW), Eurasian wtih inlernatlonal search repon patent (AM, AZ, BY, Kü, KZ, MD, RU , TJ, TM), Europcan patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, For rwo-lcíicr codes and other abbreviations, please refer to it "G ld- IT , LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI pacen! (BF, BJ, CF, ance Soles on Codes and Abbreviations "apptaring at ihe begin- CG, CI, CM, GA, ON, OW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG.no / eack regular isstte of the PCT Gazmie.

PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to an information carrier that is releasably attached to a container, such as a beverage can. The information carrier can be a small diameter compact disc (CD), or a chip, for example. The CD may contain music, video images, games or competitions, or the card may carry printed images, competitions and the like. A consumer may select the promotional system, such as a can of soda with a small CD attached to it, allowing the beverage inside the container to be enjoyed, together with the CD once it is removed from the can. The system can also include an adapter to hold the CD, and allow it to be placed in a standard CD player. A method of promoting a product using this promotional system is also described.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Promotional products are an important function in the modern world. Nowadays, the products are packaged in a more sophisticated way to that REF: 144680 used in the past. The package or container used with a particular product usually shows information in an attractive and eye-catching way, to persuade consumers to select those products from other competing products. In the past, promotional information has been provided in general physically about the package or container that is used. For example, games and competitions associated with a product usually have the necessary information printed on the container or package. Also, prize items that a consumer can obtain only if they buy a product, commonly require the consumer to write to order them. Some simple prize items have included a product in the past; normally inside the product container or package, so that these are only available after the product is opened. For example, small toys are sometimes placed inside a breakfast cereal package. However, this procedure can not be easily used with products that have interiors that are difficult to access. Similar difficulties arise with food and drink products; where there is often a danger in the placement of an award item within the product where it may be accidentally ingested. Both difficulties refer to the provision of promotional items with soda cans. A small toy or other prize item has been placed on the outside of, and removably attached to, a product if the item can not be placed inside the package. For example, a small toy can be wrapped in a shrunken shape over jars containing food, such as peanut butter. However, the toy is usually visible to the consumer, and less popular versions of the toy tend to be avoided in the store, which causes problems for the retailers, since it is difficult to predict how popular items will become for the buyers. . Also, such items are likely to be stolen at the store. An improved and alternative procedure has now been found to combine an award item of a promotional nature with a container of a product, such as a beverage can, which may increase a consumer's desire to purchase the product.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An improved or alternative promotional system according to the invention comprises a container having a promotional material carrier 1i-be a-b gTflenCe attached to it. Preferably, the container is a beverage can. Preferably also, the carrier of the promotional material is a small compact disc (CD), of a size similar to the dimensions of the container to which it is fixed, or a generally disc-shaped token, bearing promotional material. An example of a suitable such cans is a beverage can of a generally cylindrical shape having an upper surface having manually releasable closure means, a base and generally cylindrical sides. The carrier of the promotional material can be fixed to the upper part of the container, or to its base, although this can alternatively be fixed to the sides. A variety of means for fixing the carrier to the vessel can also be employed. For example, an adhesive can be used that is releasable using reasonable pressure with the finger. Alternatively, a break coating or wrapping, such as a shrink film or wrap, can be used to secure the two articles together; with the portion of break that allows its withdrawal. Otherwise, the releasable latching means on the container and the carrier can hold them together. There may be some means, such as a separate lid, that releasably holds the carrier inside, and releasably secures it to the container. The separate lid can releasably retain the carrier within a gap, and lock or releasably hold it on a projecting edge around the top of the container. A further method is to use the releasable closure means on the container, typically a ring closure for pulling, to interlock with the carrier; for example, by crossing or locking through a central hole in the carrier. Other means of union can also be used. Preferably, the carrier is a compact disc or token having promotional information on at least one side. The card is preferably in the form of a disc, but it can also be in other forms. The compact disc may have pre-recorded data in it, such as music, video or pre-recorded images. This may also contain readable data using a computer, such as software or computer games, or readable material using an electronic game console. The CD or the card will contain promotional material, and this one could be carried on one or both sides of the carrier. Ideally, the carrier is approximately the same size as the container, and more ideally still, has a shape and dimensions similar to the surface of the container to which it is attached. A method of promoting a product is also described, which comprises: allowing a consumer to select a promotional system, the promotional system comprising a container having a carrier of the promotional material releasably fixed thereto, the product is contained within the container, and the promotional information attracts the consumer, whereupon the consumer buys the promotional system, obtains said product, and releases the carrier of the container and obtains the promotional information. The promotional system is as described above. In addition, the promotional system may additionally include an adapter, capable of receiving the carrier. For example, the adapter may allow a CD carrier to be played on standard CD players by holding the small CD in the tray used by such players. The adapter can also be used to carry additional promotional material, or to visually display the carrier, especially with carriers comprising chips, or compact discs with attractive designs on its surface, for example. The adapter can preferably have a shape and the dimensions commensurate with the container, so that it can be fixed in a similar manner as the carrier to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is now discussed with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the invention, which is a cross-sectional view of the beverage can having a compact disc coupled thereto, by means of the ring closure of milestone Figure 2 shows an enlargement of the upper portion of the view of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows an enlargement of the upper portion of another embodiment of a beverage can with a compact disc coupled. Figure 4 shows another modality of the promotional system, where the information carrier and the beverage can are shown separately, in order to show the details more clearly. In practice, this information carrier will be pressed on the edge of the can. until it is removed, which normally occurs after the purchase. Note that the numbering of the characteristics or peculiarities in this modality is independent of the numbering used in Figures 1 to 3; the same number in figure 4 can refer to another feature or characteristic in the first Figures. Figure 5 shows another modality of the promotional system, with the carrier, such as a compact disc or token, which is retained in a plastic cap that locks onto the top of the can. Figure 6 shows the modality of the separate Figure 5, in order to show the details more clearly. Figure 7 shows an enlarged section of the upper part of the embodiment of Figure 5. Figure 8 shows a cross section of the lid and the compact disc in place on the can. Figure 9 shows another view of the embodiment of Figure 5, with the lid / compact disc separated from the can. Figure 10 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 5, with the lid / CD in place on the can. Figure 11 shows an enlarged view of the embodiment of Figure 5.

Figure 12 shows one embodiment of an adapter for use with the carrier, especially with a compact disc carrier; which shows a coupling especially for a beverage can, with an expandable carrier, before expansion, with a CD included. Figure 13 shows the adapter of Figure 12, after expansion, with a compact disc that is retained by the adapter. Figure 14 shows a top plan view of the adapter of Figures 12 and 13, before expansion. Figure 15 shows a sectional side view of A-A of Figure 1. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the adapter of Figures 12 to 15. Figure 17 shows an alternative embodiment of an adapter, such as a viBta on the upper floor. Figure 18 shows a sectional side view taken through AA of Figure 17. Figure 19 shows a top perspective view of the adapter of Figures 17 and 18. Figure 20 shows a bottom perspective view of the adapter of the Figures 17 to 19. Figure 21 shows another mode of the adapter. Figure 22 shows a view of the adapter shown in Figure 21, from below. Figure 23 shows an expanded portion, taken from the section marked "A" in Figure 22. Figure 24 shows another view of the inside of the adapter, without a CD in place. Figure 25 shows a side view of the adapter of Figures 21 to 24. Figure 26 shows another side view of the adapter of Figures 21 to 25, but with some detail in cross section that is shown. Figure 27 shows a top plan view of the adapter portion, with the breaking side wall removed.

'DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES A possible arrangement for the promotional system involves a container having a manually releasable closure means. It is preferred that this can be a beverage container, having a "pull ring" closure means. The container can be a beverage can, of the kind that has an upper surface, a base and cylindrical walls. Such cans commonly hold soda, such as cola, lemonade, soda water and the like, as well as alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine refreshing beverages and similar beverages. The tin is commonly made of steel or aluminum. These cans commonly have closure means located on their upper surface, usually of the "pull ring" type. The closure means can be operated with finger pressure to open the container, allowing the content to be consumed. Also, containers made of plastic and / or cardboard, which may have a protective layer of internal metal foil, may also be used with the promotional system. These can be blow molded bottles, made of materials such as PET. A variety of closure means are used with these containers, such as screw caps, flaps that bounce upwards, punched holes from side to side, with or without tamper proof mechanism. Other containers other than beverage containers can be used with the invention. Some non-limiting examples include spray or spray containers containing liquid and pressurized gases, which have a button and spray arrangement to release the contents. Also, there are bottles or tubes with lids that have a secured portion that can be broken or unlocked with a snap before the lid is released.

Other containers are also within the scope of the invention. The containers may also be of other forms than the cylindrical shape, such as square, rectangular, tetrahedral and so on. The carrier of the promotional information is set in a releasable manner to the recipient, so that the promotional information is normally made available to the consumer after the purchase. A preferred carrier is a compact disc, but other carriers can also be used. The compact disc (or "CD") is a molded plastic disk that contains digital data. A low energy laser beam scans the disc to play the recorded information. The compact disc was invented by Philips Electronics N.V. and Sony Corporation in 1980, and commercially introduced in 1982 for digital audio reproduction. The compact disc has expanded beyond audio recordings to other storage and data distribution uses, primarily for computers (for example, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW) and entertainment systems (e.g. , videodiscs, DVD). As used herein, the term "compact disc" or "CD" is intended to cover all pre-recorded and rewritable discs, notwithstanding the recorded data, or the encoding method used. A standard CD is 120 mm (4.75 in) in diameter and is 1.2 mm (0.05 in) thick, and has a central circular hole. This is composed of a clear polycarbonate plastic substrate, a reflective metallic layer, and a clear protective coating of acrylic plastic. The reflective metallic layer maintains the data, which are maintained in the form of tiny depressions (dimples), and contrasting flat regions (valleys) that are arranged in a spiral track winding (groove) from the inner hole of the disk towards its circumference . The centers of the adjacent channels or grooves are 1.6 micrometers apart. The central hole has a diameter of 15 mm. | A smaller CD (for example, inidisco) of 80 mm (3.1 inches) in diameter is also used for audio. There is also a larger version, for video discs (for example, "laser disk") with a diameter of 120 to 300 mm (4.7 to 11.8 inches). A DVD has the same dimensions as a standard CD but can not be read by a standard CD player, although a DVD player can read standard CDs. DVD discs have dimples and separation tracks that are smaller than with a standard CD.

Some CDs have a shape that is non-circular, for example they can be rectangular or square. These also fall within the scope of the present invention. Also, double-sided CDs as well as single-sided CDs can be used. If a CD is used as the carrier of promotional material, it is preferred that it has a diameter that is equal to or less than the minimum size of the surface of the container to which it is attached. The beverage cans normally have a circular top surface having a diameter a little greater than 54 mm. These usually have an outer edge, where in the manufacture, after being filled with a liquid to drink, the upper part is attached to the rest of the body. This edge can be used to help fix the CD to the can. Therefore, when the carrier is a CD, it is preferred that the CD have a diameter of about 54 mm. Slightly smaller diameters are also possible, within the range of about 44 to 54 mm. Slightly larger diameters are also possible, and in this situation, the CD will overlap the edge on top of the can. The selected size will depend on the diameter and shape of the container surface used with the promotional system. The size should make it possible for the CD to be fixed securely to the container. However, other sizes can also be chosen, either the sizes of the previously known CDs, or the sizes consistent with the size of the surfaces of the container to which it is fixed. Some beverage cans also have a narrow channel or notch running around the outer edge of their upper surface, just inside the outer edge of the can. In this case, ideally the CD or other carrier may have an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the channel, so as not to overlap this channel. The cans for beverage are normally produced by manufacturing the top separately and joining it to the rest of the can in a separate step, after filling. In this situation, the CD of the invention can be incorporated on the upper part during its manufacture, and the upper part, already having the CD coupled to it, is then joined to the rest of the can in a conventional manner. Otherwise, and with the methods of attaching the CDs to the container using casings and films, the CD can be attached to the can after the top part is attached to the can. Also, when the CD is attached to the edge around the top of the can, the CD can be attached after the top is attached to the rest of the can, or, depending on the method of coupling the CD portion. , it may be possible to add the top and the CD in one step or in two coordinated steps. If the carrier is coupled to the container elsewhere than the upper surface of the container, then similar methods can be used to perform this operation. There are commonly two types of broodstock for CDs One type holds the CD through its center hole while it is loaded into the player, while the other type requires the CD to be placed in a tray resting on its outer edge. "Small 54-ram CDs, which are a preferred embodiment of the promotional system, will work with the first type of player, but may require an adapter to work with the second type of player.This adapter should allow the small CD of the invention It is kept on the player's tray, and they operate as a standard CD The provision of such an adapter is optional, but if the product is a beverage can, then such an adapter can be included in the bulk package for a six-pack (six pack), for example, the adapter is capable of retaining the compact disc of whatever size it may be, and allowing the combined compact disc and adapter to be inserted into a tray-type CD player. a central opening with a coupling diameter like the compact disk that is the carrier, and will have means to hold it in place, otherwise it may be of the same shape and size than a standard CD; namely 120 mm in diameter and approximately 1.2 mm in thickness. Any suitable means to keep the CD in place within the central cavity of the adapter can be used. For example, the internal diameter of the adapter may be slightly concave and slightly larger than the outside diameter and thickness of the carrier CD, allowing both to be held together using a small amount of pressure. The adapter can be removable, and therefore capable of being used with other carrier CDs, or it can also be permanently attached. Otherwise, clamps or small fasteners, or other means, can be used to hold the adapter and the carrier CD together. The adapter can be a solid ring, or even have bases of empty spaces in it, to reduce its weight. The adapter can be constructed of any suitable material, but can, if desired, be made from some other relatively inexpensive material, such as a plastic. Alternatively, the adapter itself may be a portion of a compact disc, which is reproducible together with the carrier CD. The adapter may contain advertising or promotional material on its surface, along with instructions for connecting it to the internal carrier compact disc. This may contain promotional information about it, which will interact with the information on the compact disc carrier. For example, there may be a contest that requires information to win, which is on the carrier CD (or the non-CD item if the carrier is not a CD) as well as the carrier. As yet another example, the adapter can be a portion of a CD that has the software for running an electronic game, while the exchangeable carrier portion of the CD holds different data, or game scenarios, levels or advertisements, to run with the software . As an additional option, the carrier can be locked to the edge of the container, with tabs. In this embodiment, the means of locking or securing are a number of tongues, which can be locked releasably on a container. The tabs are initially flexed at an angle of inclination relative to the plane of the carrier portion. This is then applied to a container, and to a portion of the container that is capable of retaining the information carrier. Once the tabs around the CD are flattened, the CD can be played on a machine. If the full diameter of the portion carrying information, as well as the tabs attached to this portion, is the same size as a standard CD, it can be flattened and reproduced in any type of player. On the other hand, if the total size is smaller, it can be reproduced in a central insurance machine., but not on a tray-type machine, and so an adapter can be useful to provide playback on a tray-type machine. Alternatively, the tabs can be unblocked under pressure before playing the CD. The carrier can, instead of a compact disk, be a promotional card. Such a record will keep promotional information about it, usually of a written or graphic nature, which can be recovered after the recipient to whom it is fixed is opened and the carrier withdrawn. As used herein, "token" includes anything that carries promotional information, and includes such things as: tokens, tickets, lottery and scratch tickets, game cards, merchant cards, coupons, game connectors as the connectors marked "Tazzo®", brochures with text or photographs or images contained on these, stickers, labels and so on. The chips can be constructed of any suitable materials, such as paper, plastic board, metal films and plates, and the like, including combinations thereof. One method to achieve this is to have a flat, circular, central opening tab, made of an elastic material that is resistant to bending, such as hard plastic, or metal, having promotional material on one side, the inner side, which lies closer to the surface of the container to which it is attached. The other side, the outside, of the tab can have promotional material too, or other information. But the promotional material on the inner side will not be discernible until the chip is removed. Otherwise, the inner side may have promotional material having an opaque cover layer, which can only be discerned after removing the token from the container, and scraping the cover layer. The promotional material in this case may be the answers to a contest, for example. The promotional information of the invention is anything that helps with the selection of the product by a consumer. This is normally prize material, such as music, games, competitions, or the like, which may be related to advertising for the product. The preferred embodiment of the invention, where the carrier is a small compact disc containing pre-recorded data, is an ideal method of distributing such promotional information. The compact disc, in this case, may contain music or voice, video or pre-recorded images, data or computer-readable programs, or pre-recorded games capable of being played on a computer or game console. This information may include material that can be used to win prizes in a competition that may be related to the product or its advertising, or material such as popular music, games or puzzles that "can only be enjoyed by the consumer. carrier of the promotional information to the container, is to align the carrier against a surface of the container, preferably its upper part, and to wrap the two articles in a material that will hold the items together, until the carrier can be removed after the purchase. The beverage can and the carrier can be shrink wrapped using a shrinkable thermoplastic to hold the CD on the upper surface of the can The wrap can cover all of the two items, or even the parts required to hold them together. Another procedure is to provide some means to retain the carrier which is also cap az to retain the container. This can be a separate lid that releasably holds the carrier within a gap, and locks it releasably to a projecting edge around the top of the container. This lid can be blow molded, and be of adequate dimensions to hold a CD inside a hole in the base of the lid, and then have a small rim to retain the edge of the can. Ideally, this may have a skirt, in a generally frustoconical shape that closely fits around the upper area of the can walls. It may also be useful to incorporate a small air hole in the lid, for example located at its center. Otherwise, a number of air holes can be incorporated into the lid, or its design can allow some empty air spaces. This will allow the air inside the lid to be easily equated with the surrounding atmosphere. This is useful because beverage containers are often stored and sold in refrigerated cabinets and the like, so that condensation of moisture inside the lid can become a problem. This problem can be reduced to the air inside the lid can easily circulate with the outside atmosphere. The lid can also be attached to the base of the container, as an additional alternative. As an additional option, the cover can be designed to include an adapter for the CD, or tab. The adapter is capable of retaining the carrier, and with a CD, it can be kept within a tray in a standard player that uses such a tray to load the CD into the reproduction mechanism. With a tab, the adapter can also hold it, either to allow it to be displayed visually, or to include additional functionality. For example, the latter may adapt the token to be coupled to the other articles, such as containing a magnet to allow coupling and visual representation of the token on a metallic surface. This can also function as a structure to allow the token to be shown in an upright position on a shelf, ie carried like a jewelery item such as a brooch or collar. Ideally, if the cap includes an adapter, the adapter may preferably be of a similar size to the CD, and to the surface of the container to which it is attached. In this situation, the adapter must be arranged to be initially of dimensions similar to the CD or the carrier, to retain the carrier on the container. But after removal from the container, and from the CD, the adapter is then capable of being expanded, to retain the carrier, and to be retained by itself within the tray of a standard CD player. One possible method is to provide a carrier in the general form of a lid, with means for retaining the carrier within it, and also having means for releasably locking onto the container. After the purchase of the promotional system, which has such a lid, it can be removed from the container. The side walls of the lid can be removable, releasing the CD, and leaving the top of the lid. The upper portion of the remaining lid can be of a shape that can be expanded, leaving a central circular hole capable of retaining the CD within a channel or notch, for example. The outer diameter of the expanded adapter is of dimensions to be kept within a tray of a standard CD player. Returning to the drawings, the promotional system is now discussed with respect to the various examples. In Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is a cross-sectional view of a promotional system (10) comprising a beverage can (11) having a compact disc (12) coupled to its part. upper, by means of the central hole in the compact disc which is retained by the ring-type closing mechanism (13) for pulling on the lid. Figure 2 shows an enlargement of the upper section of Figure 1, showing the same characteristics, numbered identically. In this Figure, it can be seen that the ring mechanism (13) for pulling is coupled to the surface of the beverage can, at its center (14). The central portion of the surface surrounding the coupling (15) is slightly raised above the rest of the surface, to keep the compact disc in place. The compact disc (12) sits inside a shallow well on the surface of the can, this well is defined by an outer edge (16) on the can. Figure 3 shows an alternative arrangement. As with Figure 2, the pull ring mechanism (13) is coupled to the surface of the beverage can, at its center (14) by a rivet. The central portion of the upper surface surrounding the coupling (15) is slightly raised above the rest of the surface, to keep the compact disc in place, so that the central hole in the CD fits over the raised portion. The compact disc (12) sits within a shallow recess (17) on the upper surface of the can, this recess having a circular rim (18), which surrounds the outer edge of the compact disc. Ideally, the flange should project above or to the level with the top surface of the compact disc. Between the flange (18) and the edge of the can (16) a channel (19) is provided, which is a common feature in beverage cans. The base of the recess (17) shown in Figure 3 is shown as slightly convex. It is also possible to have a substantially flat base, so that the compact disc fits snugly in the recess, or even a slightly concave base. The can is opened by pulling the lever of the pull ring. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the width of the lever of the pull ring is slightly larger than the central opening in the compact disc. The lever can be broken off from the can, and then deformed to allow the compact disc to be comple separated from the can. As an alternative, the lever can be small enough so that the compact disc can slide out of the lever after opening the can. In this situation, it is preferred that the compact disc fits comfortably within the central well of the can, or within a cavity formed, on the upper surface of the can, to restrain the disc in place. In Figure 4, another variation for the promotional system is shown. The container is a beverage can (5) having an upper end (6) and a pull ring opener (7) at the top. The upper part of the can has a border (8) around its circumference. The carrier (1) has a small compact disc as the portion (2) carrying information, and a central opening (4) in the portion of the compact disc. This is joined by a number of tabs (3). These tabs are hinged to the information carrying portion, and also have a small section (9) projecting above the carrier portion. This allows the tabs to be flexed back to flatten them. If a few of the tabs are broken, this will not normally affect the operation of the compact disc. As an alternative to this arrangement, the tabs may be easy to detach, allowing the compact disc to be used without tabs that are fully present. In Figure 5 a further embodiment of the invention is shown. The can (50) has a cover (51) made of clear plastic covering its upper part. This is shown more clearly in Figure 6, where the can (50), the lid (51) and the compact disc (52) are separated. An enlarged view of the lid (51) is shown in Figure 7. There is a recess (53) for retaining a compact disc or tab at the end of the lid. The compact disc is retained in this recess by a number of slits (54) around the edge, to keep the compact disc in place, but allowing it to be removed with gentle pressure. There is another group of slits (55) below, which lock onto the edge of the can. There is a skirt (56) that lies closely along the upper portion of the sides of the can. On the edge of the lid, there is a flange (57) that acts as a finger grip. The lid is made of a flexible polymerized material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC for example. This can be transparent or opaque, or contain text and printed images, for example. Figure 8 shows an enlarged cross-section of the lid (51) which holds a compact disc (52) in place on the can (50). The central hole (60) in the compact disc is shown. Also shown is an air gap (61), located between the surface of the compact disc and the top of the can, to help protect the compact disc from scratching and other damage. Figures 9, 10 and 11 show additional views of the modality shown in Figures 5 to 8, and identically marked. Figure 12 shows a preferred embodiment of a promotional system (70) that is coupled to a beverage can, for example, by crimping the edge over the top of the can. The system in this example is in the form of a lid, and includes a compact disc (71) that is retained within the lid, which is held in place within a channel in the inner surface of the side wall. The side wall (72) is removable. The upper part (73) of the lid is an adapter, in its initial compact form. Figure 13 shows the upper part of the lid (73), for example the adapter, after the side wall has been removed, and in its expanded form retaining the compact disc (71). In Figure 14, the upper part of the cap or adapter (73) is shown alone, in more detail, in its compressed form. The adapter (73) comprises a number of petals (74) which are connected to each other by means of a number of columns (75). The columns are hinged (76) to allow the petals to be accommodated in a compressed form, as shown in Figures 12 and 14. The petals (74) can also be separated by pulling them apart, to expand the adapter to a larger configuration, as shown in Figure 13. The petals are separated by pulling them, and the columns (75) rotate from a somewhat tangential orientation to a radial orientation, to rearrange the petals in an expanded form. The petals (74) in their fully expanded form, have a hollow on one side, which is of the same dimensions as the compact disc, and which is adapted to retain the compact disc within the hollow. The compact disc can be retained in the recess by means of a channel or notch around the circumferential edge of the recess. If the adapter is made of an elastic material, such as plastic, the compact disc can be pressed into the channel, and held in place by the inner surface of the gap in the adapter, and by the outer protrusion on the other side of the channel . Preferably, there must be reasonably good tolerances of the size of the internal recess, so that the compact disc is held firmly in the recess and in the adapter. However, and less ideally, if the gap is larger than the compact disc, the compact disc can still be retained by gravity in the adapter, in the CD player tray, for the players that after loading, spin the compact disc connecting it to its central hole. The channel (78) and the recess (79) are shown in Figures 15 and 16. An alternative embodiment of a cover incorporating an adapter is shown in Figures 17 to 20. Again, the cap (70) of the adapter is initially in a compressed form, and retains a compact disk (not shown), and is capable of being locked to the top edge of a beverage can (not shown), for example by means of its side wall (72). The side wall (72) can be removed from the adapter portion (73). The side wall (72) can be broken from the adapter (73) by being sparsely coupled to it, and there can be a tear-off strip to help with this, which may have a fastening section (77) projecting from the strip, to assist the user in understanding the mechanism, and to initiate the dismemberment process. The adapter has a number of petals (74), held together with the columns (75) that are hinged (76), to allow the petals to be separated by pulling them. In contrast to the other embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 16, this embodiment has the columns that are initially oriented generally radially, and by means of an extra hinge, the petals can be separated by pull from the center in Figure 17, instead of rotated as with the version in Figure 12. Figure 18 shows a cross-section AA of Figure 17. The cavity (79) for holding the compact disc (once the adapter is separated), as well as the channel (78) to keep the compact disc in place within the cavity. The initial arrangement of the adapter in its compressed form has a recess (80) that holds the compact disc in place when the adapter is locked to the beverage can or other container. The side wall (72) is shown connected to the adapter portion. It is preferred that a small air gap (81) exist between the compact disc and the can rim, to minimize the risk that the can surface will damage the compact disc when the can is in transit. The locking means (82) is indicated in the Figure, which is capable of locking on the edge of the beverage can. Figures 19 and 20 show additional views of the modality also shown in Figures 17 and 18, and numbered accordingly. The adapter units in Figures 2 to 20 have 4 petal portions. The adapter can have any number of these petals, but preferably has three or more to give added stability, and most preferably has 4 or 5 petal portions. Figure 21 shows yet another embodiment of the adapter and lid combination, which has 5 petal portions. The lid portion (73) has its side wall (72) in place, and the side wall has a flange portion (90), to allow the lid to be clamped and removed from the container to which it is locked. There are five petal portions (74) shown, in their closed position. The petals (74) are joined together with the column members (75) having hinge sections (76), to allow the adapter to be separated. The columns are attached to a hub (89) in the center, which has a central hole, for example allowing the compact disc to be partially visible when the promotional system is completely assembled. Figures 22, 23 and 24 show the inside of this version of the adapter. There are a number of stops (91) located around the inner surface of the side wall (72). As can be seen in Figures 21, 22 and 23 the compact disc, when the adapter is in the open position, is held by a number of protuberances (93), and the holes (94) in the body of the adapter are directly placed above these protuberances. This helps indicate that the compact disc is correctly placed inside the adapter. Figures 25, 26 and 27 show additional views of the adapter. The stops (91) on the side walls are visible on the outer wall, as shown in Figures 25 and 26. The covers are preferably constructed of a plastic material, using conventional techniques.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The invention has industrial application for the promotion of products in containers, as well as for products that can be recorded on compact discs. This has application in the advertising and marketing industries. It will be apparent that obvious variations and modifications of the invention can be made in accordance with its spirit, without departing from the scope of the invention, and it is intended that they be part of the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

35 RKIVINDICATIONS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A promotional system, characterized in that it comprises a container having a carrier of promotional material releasably fixed thereto. 2. The promotional system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is a beverage can. 3. The promotional system according to claim 2, characterized in that the container is a beverage can of a generally cylindrical shape, having an upper surface having a manually releasable closing means, a base and sides generally cylindrical. 4. The promotional system according to claim 3, characterized in that the carrier of the promotional material is releasably fixed to the upper surface of the container. The promotional system according to claim 3, characterized in that the promotional material carrier is releasably fixed to the base of the container. 36 6. The promotional system according to claim 3, characterized in that the promotional material carrier is releasably fixed to the sides of the container. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the promotional material carrier is a compact disc having pre-recorded data on at least one side thereof. The promotional system according to claim 7, characterized in that the compact disk has an outer diameter of about 54 mm. 9. The promotional system according to claim 7, characterized in that the compact disc contains pre-recorded music. The promotional system according to claim 7, characterized in that the compact disk contains video or pre-recorded images. The promotional system according to claim 7, characterized in that the compact disk contains pre-recorded data capable of being read using a computer. 12. The promotional system according to claim 7, characterized in that the compact disc contains pre-recorded data capable of interacting in the Internet . The promotional system according to claim 7, characterized in that the compact disc contains a pre-recorded set capable of being read using an electronic game console. 14. The promotional system according to any of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that it additionally contains an adapter, capable of retaining the compact disc, and of a size and shape to be inserted into a compact disc player that is of type tray, and allow the compact disc to be playable on that player. The promotional system according to claim 14, characterized in that the adapter has a central opening of a diameter that matches the outer diameter of the compact disc, and has means for retaining the compact disc concentrically within the opening, and the adapter is otherwise of the same general shape and size as a standard compact disc. 16. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the promotional material carrier is a token having data of a promotional nature, on at least one side thereof. 17. The promotional system in accordance with 38 claim 16, characterized in that the token is a disk having an outer diameter of about 54 mm. 18. The promotional system according to any of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that the promotional material carrier has approximately the same size as the side of the container to which it is releasably fixed. 19. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the carrier of the promotional material is releasably fixed to the container by means of an adhesive. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the carrier of the promotional material is releasably fixed to the container by means of a covering or wrapping of break. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the carrier of the promotional material is releasably fixed to the container by means of releasable locking means, integrable with and on one or both sides of the container and the carrier. 22. The promotional system in accordance with 39 Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the promoter of promotional material is releasably fixed to the container by interlocking means that releasably retains the carrier, and locks it releasably to the container. 23. The promotional system according to claim 22, characterized in that the interlocking means is separated from the container and the carrier. 24. The promotional system according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the means is a lid that releasably holds the carrier inside, and that locks it releasably to a projecting edge around the upper part of the container. 25. The promotional system according to claim 24, characterized in that the sides of the lid are adapted to break away from the top of the lid. 26. The promotional system according to claim 24 or claim 25, characterized in that the upper part of the lid is an adapter capable of retaining the carrier within a recess in the adapter. 27. The promotional system according to claim 26, characterized in that the carrier is a compact disc and the adapter is configurable to a size and shape to be inserted into a disc player. compact that is of the tray type, and allow the compact disc to be reproducible in the player. The promotional system according to claim 27, characterized in that the adapter is substantially flatter and comprises a plurality of petal portions, the petal portions are joined by a plurality of hinged column members, wherein the petal portions they can be oriented between a closed position and an open position by adjusting the column members, wherein, in the closed position the adapter has a circumference generally equivalent to that of the compact disc, and in the open position, the adapter is capable of retaining the compact disc and of being inserted into a CD player that is of the tray type, 29. The promotional system according to claim 28, characterized in that it has 4 or 5 petal portions. 30. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the promotional material carrier is releasably fixed to the container by means of a manually releasable closure means, on the container, interconnecting with the carrier. 31. The promotional system in accordance with 41 any of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the carrier of promotional material is releasably fixed to the container by other means of attachment. 32. The promotional system according to any of claims 18 to 31, characterized in that the promotional material carrier is releasably secured to the container in a tamper-proof manner. 33. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the potador is retained at least partially within a hole in the container. 34. The promotional system according to any of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the carrier is retained against a surface of the container. 35. The promotional system according to claim 34, characterized in that the carrier is releasably fixed to the container by means of a covering or wrapping of break, and where the container is retained at least partially within a gap in the coating and in the envelope. 36. A method of promoting a product, characterized in that it comprises: allowing a consumer 42 select a promotional system, the promotional system comprises a container that has a carrier of promotional material releasably fixed thereto, the product is contained within the container, and the promotional information attracts the consumer, with which the consumer buys said promotional system, obtains the product, and it releases the container carrier and obtains the promotional information. 37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that the promotional system is as defined in accordance with any of claims 2 to 35.