US20160009451A1

US20160009451A1 - Display system with continuous pattern

Info

Publication number: US20160009451A1
Application number: US14/326,792
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard David Ticktin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Synergylabs LLC
Priority date: 2014-07-09
Filing date: 2014-07-09
Publication date: 2016-01-14

Abstract

A packaging system includes a plurality of containers displaying a continuous pattern, where the pattern persists, even when a subset of the containers is removed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a packaging system having a continuous pattern, and more particularly relates to a packaging system including a plurality of containers adjacently positioned into subsets to form a unified continuous pattern.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, product packaging involves the material, methods, and systems to enclose and present products for distribution, storage, display, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of design, evaluation, and production of packages. For efficient packaging, a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, storage, display, sale, and end use is required. Packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and sells products.
Traditional product packages, such as boxes and bottles include front and back labels that are independent of each other and distinguishable in form, appearance, and content. A front label forms the main display label of the package, whereas the back label typically includes information regarding the product. Such packages are often arranged in displays on retail shelves for consumers to view the product in a visually appealing manner. The display of packages can include numerous containers that may be stacked to display the front label of the boxes and/or the label panels. Typically, the display includes a uniformity of appearance and is arranged to be visually appealing.
Various features of some products, such as labeling, color, orientation, texture, thickness, softness, smoothness, durability, and/or scent, may impact a consumer's purchasing decision. However, several challenges arise in product display. In a typical retail setting products are often disorganized and visually unappealing. This is because the products are constantly being removed for purchase, replaced by retail employees, or repositioned after customer viewing, causing the display to become disorganized and, therefore, visually unappealing. The display surface of a single container, such as a bottle, is relatively small in size, as compared to an entire section or isle of a retail store filled with other similarly sized bottles, each bottle competing for the consumer's attention. In this competitive environment, designing the display surface of a package to distinguish it from a multitude of packages competing for the same consumer is not an easy task, particularly given its relatively small size. Yet, it is an important task because consumers initially attracted by a visually eye-catching design of a package or a group of packages are more inclined to view the product to make a purchasing decision.
A product line is a group of related products manufactured by a single company. Products in a single product line will often be packaged with a similar overall design, such as each package being the same shape, the same color palette, or the same logo position on the display surface of the packaging. The difficulty with presenting a unified display, particularly one with a continuous pattern across a product line being displayed, is that different retail locations will order different products from the product line. One store may order and display one subset of products from the product line and another retail location may order and display another subset of products from the product line. Some retail locations will only have a limited allotment of shelf space to display products from each product line provided at the retail location. Coordinating a continuous pattern across an entire product line is, therefore, very difficult to implement, where typically an entire product line is not displayed at a single retail location.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention obviates the above-mentioned problems, by providing a packaging system for a display that maintains a unified continuous pattern on the label, even when an individual container is removed. The packaging system includes a plurality of containers. The containers are grouped into multiple subsets. Each subset of containers forms a segment of a unified continuous pattern when the containers are positioned adjacently in a horizontal row. The segments of the unified continuous pattern position adjacently to each other to form the unified continuous pattern. Removal of a subset of containers from the plurality of containers does not result in a non-unified, discontinuous pattern. In this manner, display space may be optimized without losing unity of the graphical design. Additionally, each container and/or subset can have a different container content while still arranged to display the unified continuous pattern.
Each container can be printed with a graphical design that, when combined with adjacently positioned containers, forms the unified continuous pattern. The unified continuous pattern is disposed on externally visible display portions of each container, such that the unified continuous pattern is collectively formed when each container is oriented identically to one another relative to a container support surface. The unified continuous pattern may include a repetitive undulating line.
In some embodiments, the display may include, without limitation, a product display in a retail store, a convention display, a marketing display, and an informative display at a public gathering. Those skilled in the art will recognize that marketing and product presentation is enhanced by presenting a visually attractive, continuous pattern that captures the attention of potential consumers. In one embodiment, the unified continuous pattern may include a floral arrangement having a wave-like appearance.
The unified continuous pattern may include a graphical design printed on the externally visible display portion of each container. The graphical design can be related to a product inside the container. The graphical design may include eclectic shapes, designs, and images that align to form the unified continuous pattern. The shapes, designs, and images are arranged to maintain the unified continuous pattern between individual containers and multiple subsets. Removing a subset of containers from the plurality of containers does not break the continuity of the lines. A container or subset having similar shapes, designs, and images can replace the removed container or subset to maintain the unified continuous pattern.
In some embodiments, the novel techniques and graphical depictions that enable the unified continuous pattern to remain intact, even after one or more containers are removed, results from repetitive and predictable patterns, graphics, spacing, orientation, and shading of the pattern displayed on each individual container. In one embodiment, the unified continuous pattern is formed as a repetitive pattern. The repetitive pattern facilitates replacement of a removed container or subset. The pattern may also be simplified by minimizing broken, crossed, or angular lines. Rather than utilizing zigzags or complex patterns, a single undulating line is formed, with the line gradually sloping between adjacent containers. The undulating line can cross over a first segment and a second segment at a slope, and may therefore be replaced by a similarly sloped line. In a continuous pattern having a first segment and a second segment, a newly added third segment that is positioned adjacently to the second segment does not require a unique graphical design, but can include the identical graphical design as the first segment to simplify the overall unified continuous pattern.
In further embodiments, the unified continuous pattern includes broad graphical lines, relative to the size of the container. The broad lines cross into each other between containers in a more visually forgiving manner than a thin, sharp line. Additional graphical depictions that enhance the effect of the unified continuous pattern may include, without limitation, wavy lines, fuzzy edges, stepped formations, relatively simple images, and minimal usage of text.
In some embodiments, the contents of each container differ from one another. For example, the first subset of containers contains shampoo, while the second subset of containers contains conditioner. Upon removal of a shampoo container having a graphical design of an apex section of a line, a conditioner container with the same apex section can replace the shampoo container. Text indicating container contents of the conditioner container informs the user of the container contents, despite being placed in the subset of shampoo containers.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a packaging system, comprising a plurality of containers including an externally visible display portion, each of the externally visible display portions collectively displaying a unified continuous pattern when the plurality of containers are arranged side by side in a horizontal row, and the plurality of containers segmented into: a first subset of containers, each container in the first subset of containers displaying a continuation of a pattern on an adjacent container of the first subset of containers, each of said pattern continuations in the first subset collectively forming a first segment of the unified continuous pattern; and a second subset of containers, each container in the second subset of containers displaying a continuation of a pattern on an adjacent container of the second subset of containers, each of said pattern continuations in the second subset collectively forming a second segment of the unified continuous pattern. Each one of the plurality of containers stores a container content different from a container content stored by each of the other ones of the plurality of containers; and the unified continuous pattern is configured such that removal of one of the first subset of containers and the second subset of containers from the horizontal row does not display a non-unified, discontinuous pattern.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the unified continuous pattern resembles a singular, undulating line.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the unified continuous pattern resembles an arrangement of flower pedals approximating a singular, undulating line.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of containers is a bottle.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of containers is a bottle storing a pet hair care product.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of containers includes a different hair care product in a line of hair care products.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of containers is sized and configured to be arranged on and supported by a retail store shelf.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the unified continuous pattern includes a repeating pattern.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of containers includes a different product in a line of products.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the plurality of containers are arranged in the horizontal row such that the main products in the line of products are adjacent to one another.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the unified continuous pattern is disposed on the externally visible display portions of each of the plurality of containers such that the unified continuous pattern is collectively formed when each of the plurality of containers is oriented identically to one another relative to a container support surface.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, there is provided a method of displaying a plurality of containers, comprising receiving the plurality of containers, each of the plurality of containers including an externally visible display portion and storing a container content different from a container content stored by each of the other ones of the plurality of containers, and the plurality of containers divided into a first subset of containers, each container in the first subset of containers displaying a continuation of a pattern on an adjacent container of the first subset of containers, each of said pattern continuations in the first subset collectively forming a first segment of a unified continuous pattern; and a second subset of containers, each container in the second subset of containers displaying a continuation of a pattern on an adjacent container of the second subset of containers, each of said pattern continuations in the second subset collectively forming a second segment of the unified continuous pattern; wherein the unified continuous pattern is configured such that removal of one of the first subset of containers and the second subset of containers from the horizontal row does not result in a non-unified, discontinuous pattern. The method further includes forming the unified continuous pattern by positioning the plurality of containers side by side in a horizontal row.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, the method further includes forming a pattern resembling a singular, undulating line.
In accordance with another embodiment, the method includes forming a pattern resembling an arrangement of flower pedals approximating a singular, undulating line.
In accordance with another embodiment, the method further includes arranging each of the plurality of containers on a retail store shelf.
In accordance with a further feature, the method includes forming a repeating pattern.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, the method further includes arranging the plurality of containers in the horizontal row such that main products in a line of products are adjacent to one another.
In accordance with another embodiment, the method further includes arranging each of the plurality of containers on a retail store shelf to be oriented identically to one another.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a packaging display system with continuous pattern, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of an object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a packaging system including a plurality of containers displaying a unified continuous pattern, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the packaging system, originally introduced in FIG. 1, illustrating removal of a subset of the plurality of containers, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the packaging system, originally introduced in FIG. 1, illustrating removal of a second subset of the plurality of containers, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the packaging system, originally introduced in FIG. 1, illustrating removal of a third subset of the plurality of containers, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the packaging system, originally introduced in FIG. 1, illustrating removal of a single container from the plurality of containers, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
Referring now primarily to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front elevation view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a packaging system 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a plurality of containers 102 a-102 i grouped into a display, where the number of containers 102 a-102 i between “a” and “i” can be any number. The plurality of containers 102 displays a unified continuous pattern 104, even when a subset of containers is removed. In this manner, display space may be optimized and the unified continuous pattern 104 is maintained for marketing. In some embodiments, the plurality of containers 102 a-102 i are adjacently positioned in a horizontal row 120 to form the unified continuous pattern 104. The packaging system 100 further includes a first subset 108, a second subset 110, and a third subset 112 of containers 102. The first subset 108 includes a first segment 108 of the unified continuous pattern 104. Similarly, the second subset 110 includes a second segment 111 of the unified continuous pattern 104. The third subset 112 includes a third segment 113 of the unified continuous pattern 104. The unified continuous pattern 104 can be maintained even when a single container 102 or one of the subsets 108, 110, 112 is removed from the display, as explained in more detail below.
The unified continuous pattern 104 is maintained even when one, or a subset of the containers 102 a-102 i is removed from the first subset 108, the second subset 110, or the third subset 112 of containers 102. For example, removal of the container 102 a from the first subset 108 does not result in a non-unified, discontinuous pattern, as is apparent from FIG. 1. The unified continuous pattern 104 merely terminates earlier, due to the removal of the container 102 a. Each container 102 and/or subset 108, 110, 112 can have a different container content while still adjacently arranged in the unified continuous pattern 104.
The plurality of containers 102 a-102 i may include, without limitation, a bottle, a box, a glass, a jug, and any vessel configured to contain a solid or a fluid. In one embodiment, the container 102 may include a bottle storing a pet hair care product. Each container 102 may contain a different hair care product in a line of hair care products, for example, the line of hair care products can include shampoos of varying aromas and ingredients, conditioners of varying aromas and ingredients, styling products, and other hair care products. As used herein, the term “hair” is intended to indicate any hair, fur, coating, or the like that grows from the skin of animals.
In one embodiment, the plurality of containers 102 a-102 i are sized and configured to be arranged on and supported by a retail store shelf. In other embodiments, the containers 102 are arranged in any manner that displays the unified continuous pattern 104, including, without limitation, stacking on the floor, hanging from a ceiling, and placing in a window showcase. In another embodiment, the containers 102 are arranged in the horizontal row 120 such that the main products, or the highest selling products are positioned adjacent one another forming a segment of the unified continuous pattern 104. In this manner, the main products in the product line can display the unified continuous pattern 104 where a retail location offers a limited shelf-space sufficient to display only a few products. At retail locations where more shelf space is available, secondary or lesser selling products from the product line can be positioned adjacent the main products and still maintain the unified continuous pattern 104. The capacity to isolate the main products while still maintaining the unified continuous pattern 104 optimizes shelf space by enabling selective display of products in accordance with availability of shelf-space at any given retail location.
Secondary products may be removed to optimize shelf space. The main products can form the unified continuous pattern 104 alone, even without the full line of products. In some embodiments, secondary products may be shelved separately, in a less visible area of the retail location, and also form the unified continuous pattern 104 without the main products.
The unified continuous pattern 104 is displayed on an externally visible display portion 106 a-106 i of each container 102 such that the unified continuous pattern 104 is collectively formed when each container 102 is oriented identically to one another relative to a container support surface (not shown), such as a retail shelf. In one embodiment, the unified continuous pattern 104 is formed by adjacent, upright containers 102 positioned side-by-side, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Advantageously, by providing the singular unified, continuous pattern 104 distributed across the plurality of containers 102, the product display surface can effectively be enlarged from a single container to the sum of the visual display portions 106 a-106 i of the plurality of containers 102. The human eye will be drawn to the singular unified continuous pattern 104 that appears larger than any one graphic on any other singular container on display at the retail shelves. The unified continuous pattern 104 is more likely to draw consumers' attention in this highly competitive space, and, is more likely to result in a purchase event.
In one embodiment, the unified continuous pattern 104 resembles a singular, undulating line. For example, an arrangement of flower pedals approximating a singular, undulating line traverses across the plurality of containers 102 a-102 i. In other embodiments, other patterns may be utilized on the visible display portions 106, including, without limitation, a straight line, a zigzag line, a stepped line, repetitive squares, rectangles, and ovals, or the like.
The visible display portion 106 may be formed as an external surface of the container 102 that is configured to receive a printed graphic or text. The graphical design may be related to a container content, such as a shampoo product inside a bottle. The graphical design may include eclectic shapes, designs, and images that align with adjacent containers 102 to form the unified continuous pattern 104. The shapes, designs, and images are arranged to maintain the unified continuous pattern 104 between individual containers 102 and multiple subsets 108, 110, 112. For example, removing the subset 112 from between subsets 108 and 110 results in an arrangement where adjacent subsets 108 and 110 do not result in a non-unified, discontinuous pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Advantageously, even though the subset 112 has been removed, remaining subsets 108 and 110 of containers 102 maintain the unified continuous display pattern 104.
Still referring to FIG. 1, each of the externally visible display portions 106 a-106 i collectively display the unified continuous pattern 104 when the plurality of containers 102 a-102 i is arranged side by side in the horizontal row 120. The plurality of containers 102 a-102 i is segmented into the first subset 108, the second subset 110, and the third subset 112. The unified continuous pattern 104 is configured such that removal of one of subsets 108, 110, 112 from the horizontal row 120 does not display a non-unified, discontinuous pattern. For example, removal of the subset 108 from a position adjacent the subset 112 maintains the unified continuous pattern 104 on the remaining subsets 112 and 110, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, removal of the subset 110 from a position adjacent the subset 112 maintains the unified continuous pattern 104 on the remaining subsets 112 and 108, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
The unified continuous pattern 104 can be configured such that removal of a single container 102 does not disrupt the unity and continuity of the unified continuous pattern 104. As illustrated in FIG. 5, removal of the singular container 102 e does not result in a non-unified, discontinuous pattern. A wavelength 122 of the undulating line segment between the containers 102 d and 102 f is changed (e.g. shortened), but the pattern 104 remains unified and continuous because it maintains display of an undulating repeating wave-like line, even after removal of the singular container 102 e.
Referring now primarily to FIG. 1, each container 102 in the first subset 108 displays a continuation of a pattern on an adjacent container 102 of the first subset 108 of containers 102. The pattern continuations in the first subset 108 collectively form the first segment 109 of the unified continuous pattern 104. The first segment 109 may be distributed across any number of containers 102. Similarly, each container 102 in the second subset 110 displays a continuation of a pattern on an adjacent container 102 of the second subset 110 of containers 102. The pattern continuation in the second subset 110 collectively forms the second segment 111 of the unified continuous pattern 104. The second segment may be distributed across any number of containers 102. Likewise, each container 102 in the third subset 112 displays a continuation of a pattern on an adjacent container 102 of the third subset 112 of containers 102. The pattern continuations in the third subset 112 collectively form the third segment 113 of the unified continuous pattern 104. In one embodiment, the amount of containers 102 displaying each of the first segment 109, the second segment 111, and the third segment 113 are the same. In other embodiments, the amount of containers 102 displaying each of the first segment 109, the second segment 111, and the third segment 113 are different. The unified continuous pattern 104 is configured such that removal of one of the first subset 108, the second subset 110, and the third subset 112 from the horizontal row 120 does not display a non-unified, discontinuous pattern, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 2, respectively.
The unified continuous pattern 104 is formed as a repetitive pattern. The repetitive pattern facilitates removal of the containers 102, or subsets 108, 110, 112 without disrupting the unity and continuity of the pattern 104. The pattern 104 may be simplified by minimizing broken, crossed, or angular lines. For example, rather than utilizing zigzags or complex patterns, the single undulating line is formed, where the line gradually slopes between adjacent containers 102. The undulating line can be arranged across the subsets 108, 110, and 112 having a slope and a wavelength for each undulation (or wave), where removal of a singular container or subset 108, 110, 112 can alter the wavelength or slope, while maintaining the unified continuous wave-like pattern 104, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
Another technique to minimize non-unified, discontinuous patterns when the container 102 is removed involves using wide graphical lines, relative to the size of the container 102. The wide lines cross into each other between containers 102 in a more visually forgiving manner than, for example, a thin, sharp line. Additional graphical techniques that can enhance a visual effect of the unified continuous pattern 104 may include, without limitation, wavy lines, fuzzy edges, stepped formations, relatively simple images, and minimal usage of text.
Because each container 102 is not required to contain the same product, additional manipulation of the packaging system 100 is possible. For example, the first subset 108 of containers 102 can contain shampoo, while the second subset 110 of containers 102 can contain conditioner. The shampoo container 102 can have a graphical design of an apex section of the undulating line of the unified continuous pattern 104. The conditioner container 102 having the same or similar apex section can replace the shampoo container 102. Text describing the container 102 contents can be displayed on the container 102.
A packaging system including a plurality of containers that, collectively, forms a singular, unified continuous pattern distributed across the plurality of containers for visually drawing the attention of consumers thereto is provided. The unified continuous pattern is maintained even when a subset of the plurality of containers is removed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1-20. (canceled)

21. A packaging system for displaying containers, comprising:

a set of three containers, each container in said set having an externally visible display portion, each said externally visible display portion differs from each other, when said containers of said set are arranged side-by-side and facing same direction, said externally visible display portion of each container of said set collectively forming an undulating line sloping across said set of containers.

22. The packaging system according to claim 21, further comprising a further set of containers, each container in said further set having an externally visible display portion, each said externally visible display portion differs from each other, when said containers of said set and said further set of containers, respectively, are arranged side by side and facing same direction, said externally visible display portion of each container of said further set collectively forming an undulating line sloping across said containers, wherein removal of three containers adjacent to each other will not disturb said undulating line in remaining containers.

23. The packaging system according to claim 21, wherein said undulating line is a repeating, wave-like line.

24. The packaging system according to claim 22, wherein said further set of containers contains a different content as said first set of containers.

25. The packaging system according to claim 22, wherein said containers are bottles.

26. A method of displaying containers, comprising:

providing a set of three containers, each container in said set having an externally visible display portion, each said externally visible display portion differs from each other;

arranging said containers side-by-side and said externally visible display portion facing in same direction, said externally visible display portion of each container of said set thereby collectively forming an undulating line sloping across said set of containers.

27. The method of displaying containers according to claim 26, the method further comprises:

providing a further set of containers, each container in said further set having an externally visible display portion, each said externally visible display portion differs from each other; and

arranging said containers of said set of container and said further set of containers, respectively, side-by-side and externally visible display portion facing same direction, said externally visible display portion of each said container collectively thereby forming an undulating line sloping across said containers, wherein removal of three containers adjacent to each other will not disturb said undulating line in remaining containers.