WO1994001343A1 - Sample containers - Google Patents

Sample containers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1994001343A1
WO1994001343A1 PCT/GB1993/001426 GB9301426W WO9401343A1 WO 1994001343 A1 WO1994001343 A1 WO 1994001343A1 GB 9301426 W GB9301426 W GB 9301426W WO 9401343 A1 WO9401343 A1 WO 9401343A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
packaging
sheet
sample
reservoir
shaped portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1993/001426
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Harold Eastman
Original Assignee
Mccormick & Company, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mccormick & Company, Inc. filed Critical Mccormick & Company, Inc.
Priority to AU45109/93A priority Critical patent/AU4510993A/en
Publication of WO1994001343A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994001343A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D40/0087—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks for samples
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/38—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more wrappers disposed one inside the other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D2575/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by association or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D2575/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D2575/36—One sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed or relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages
    • B65D2575/361—Details
    • B65D2575/362—Details with special means for gaining access to the contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/34—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents and having several recesses to accommodate a series of articles or quantities of material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to sample containers, by which is meant containers suitable for containing a small quantity of a product which the public is to be invited to test, and relates more especially to sample containers for fluid products.
  • containers suitable for containing a small quantity of a product which the public is to be invited to test and relates more especially to sample containers for fluid products.
  • the purpose in providing just a sample container is to minimise cost by providing less of the product than would normally be available for purchase. This is an important factor if the product is a perfume or other expensive product.
  • a sample container comprises packaging and a sheet formed into a non-planar shape, the sheet presenting a first shaped portion generally discernible through the packaging and a second shaped portion generally hidden by the packaging, the first shaped portion having the outline of a container which might be expected to hold a sample of a fluid product and the second shaped portion having a backing secured to the sheet to form a reservoir which actually holds a sample of the fluid product, with the sheet further presenting an outlet which is in flow communication with the reservoir and is in alignment with an opening through the packaging.
  • the reservoir may be located above the outlet, whereas for less viscous product samples, such as liquids, the reservoir should be located below the outlet.
  • the outlet is in the form of a nozzle openable by a pin and protrudes through the opening in the packaging; the container protrudes through an aperture of complementary shape in the packaging; the reservoir is in the form of a resiliently deformable dome of circular outline and is located vertically above the outlet which is itself located vertically above the container in an intended orientation; the sheet is a plastics material, the backing is a foil, and the packaging is a cardboard sleeve.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of the sample container
  • Figure 2 is a front view of just the sheet
  • Figure 3 is a rear view of just the backing for the sheet; and Figure 4 is a plan view of the sample container.
  • a sample container 10 according to the present invention comprises:-
  • - packaging 12 such as a cardboard sleeve which, in an intended orientation, is folded along its left edge 14, is stuck to itself along a strip 16 at its right edge, and presents an upper trapezoidal opening 18 as well as a lower rectangular aperture 20;
  • a sheet 22 formed into a non-planar shape, possibly by vacuum forming or blow moulding a plastics material to present the outline of a rectangular container 24, which in use is generally discernible through and indeed protrudes through the complementary aperture 20, as well as the outline of a circular reservoir 26, which in use is generally hidden by an upper part of the packaging 12;
  • a backing 28 such as a foil which is heat sealed, ultrasonically welded or otherwise secured to the sheet 22, for use in holding a sample of a fluid product (not shown) within the reservoir 26;
  • an outlet 30 which is in alignment with and indeed protrudes through the opening 18, is in flow communication with the reservoir 26 by means of a channel 32 formed in the sheet 22 and is intended to give the impression of formi part of the container 24, which can be empty and thus not be covered by the backing 28.
  • the plastics material may be e.g. PVC/PVDC/PE, MONO BAREX or PS/EVOH/PE and the foil backing may be e.g. metallised PET/PE, PET/FOIL/BAREX or PET/FOIL/PE, all as known per se.
  • the outlet 30 is in the form of a frusto-conical nozzle extending from a trapezoidal base 34 complementary to the opening 18.
  • a ridge 36 assists location.
  • the backing 28 is secured to the back of the sheet 22 around the reservoir 26, the channel 32 and the base 34, and also around the container 24.
  • the reservoir 26 may have a volume of 3ml with the volume of the container 24 being 30ml. It may be necessary to open the outlet 30 with a pin.
  • the channel 32 may be fairly long so the reservoir 26 may be located some distance from the container 24 and, for thinner fluid products, may be located to the side of the container 24.
  • the plastics sheet 22, even when formed into a non-planar shape, may be shallow so the packaging 12 is not bulky.
  • the reservoir 26 may be in the form of a resiliently deflectable dome but may include rings, a diaphragm or bellows to improve the pump effect.
  • sample container 10 is capable of repeated use, without removal of the packaging 12, which can carry advertising as well as instructions to the user to "press here".

Abstract

A sample container (10) comprises cardboard packaging (12) and a non-planar plastics sheet (22), the sheet presenting a first shaped portion generally discernible through the packaging and a second shaped portion generally hidden by the packaging, the first shaped portion having the outline of a container (24) which might be expected to hold a sample of a fluid product and the second shaped portion having a backing secured to the sheet (22) to form a reservoir (26) which actually holds a sample of the fluid product, with the sheet further presenting an outlet (30) which is in flow communication with the reservoir (26) and is in alignment with and opening (18) through the packaging (12), the sample container (10) encouraging brand recognition at the same time as curtailing costs, particurlarly for expensive products such as perfumes.

Description

SAMPLE CONTAINERS
The present invention relates generally to sample containers, by which is meant containers suitable for containing a small quantity of a product which the public is to be invited to test, and relates more especially to sample containers for fluid products. Clearly, the purpose in providing just a sample container is to minimise cost by providing less of the product than would normally be available for purchase. This is an important factor if the product is a perfume or other expensive product. On the other hand, it is desirable for marketing purposes for the sample container to be a replica of a full size container. This is primarily to inspire a strong visual link, leading to the encouragement of brand recognition.
It is an object of the present invention to try to resolve these apparently conflicting requirements in an attractive manner.
According to the present invention, a sample container comprises packaging and a sheet formed into a non-planar shape, the sheet presenting a first shaped portion generally discernible through the packaging and a second shaped portion generally hidden by the packaging, the first shaped portion having the outline of a container which might be expected to hold a sample of a fluid product and the second shaped portion having a backing secured to the sheet to form a reservoir which actually holds a sample of the fluid product, with the sheet further presenting an outlet which is in flow communication with the reservoir and is in alignment with an opening through the packaging.
In use, pressing a part of the packaging covering the reservoir will cause the reservoir to deform and thereby pump some of the product sample from the outlet, the reservoir being potentially much smaller in volume than the container.
For viscous product samples, such as creams, the reservoir may be located above the outlet, whereas for less viscous product samples, such as liquids, the reservoir should be located below the outlet.
More particularly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the outlet is in the form of a nozzle openable by a pin and protrudes through the opening in the packaging; the container protrudes through an aperture of complementary shape in the packaging; the reservoir is in the form of a resiliently deformable dome of circular outline and is located vertically above the outlet which is itself located vertically above the container in an intended orientation; the sheet is a plastics material, the backing is a foil, and the packaging is a cardboard sleeve.
A sample container, in accordance with the present invention, will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a front view of the sample container;
Figure 2 is a front view of just the sheet;
Figure 3 is a rear view of just the backing for the sheet; and Figure 4 is a plan view of the sample container.
With reference to the accompanying drawings, a sample container 10 according to the present invention comprises:-
- packaging 12, such as a cardboard sleeve which, in an intended orientation, is folded along its left edge 14, is stuck to itself along a strip 16 at its right edge, and presents an upper trapezoidal opening 18 as well as a lower rectangular aperture 20;
- a sheet 22 formed into a non-planar shape, possibly by vacuum forming or blow moulding a plastics material to present the outline of a rectangular container 24, which in use is generally discernible through and indeed protrudes through the complementary aperture 20, as well as the outline of a circular reservoir 26, which in use is generally hidden by an upper part of the packaging 12;
- a backing 28, such as a foil which is heat sealed, ultrasonically welded or otherwise secured to the sheet 22, for use in holding a sample of a fluid product (not shown) within the reservoir 26; and
- an outlet 30 which is in alignment with and indeed protrudes through the opening 18, is in flow communication with the reservoir 26 by means of a channel 32 formed in the sheet 22 and is intended to give the impression of formi part of the container 24, which can be empty and thus
Figure imgf000005_0001
not be covered by the backing 28.
The plastics material may be e.g. PVC/PVDC/PE, MONO BAREX or PS/EVOH/PE and the foil backing may be e.g. metallised PET/PE, PET/FOIL/BAREX or PET/FOIL/PE, all as known per se.
The outlet 30 is in the form of a frusto-conical nozzle extending from a trapezoidal base 34 complementary to the opening 18. A ridge 36 assists location. The backing 28 is secured to the back of the sheet 22 around the reservoir 26, the channel 32 and the base 34, and also around the container 24.
The reservoir 26 may have a volume of 3ml with the volume of the container 24 being 30ml. It may be necessary to open the outlet 30 with a pin. The channel 32 may be fairly long so the reservoir 26 may be located some distance from the container 24 and, for thinner fluid products, may be located to the side of the container 24. The plastics sheet 22, even when formed into a non-planar shape, may be shallow so the packaging 12 is not bulky. The reservoir 26 may be in the form of a resiliently deflectable dome but may include rings, a diaphragm or bellows to improve the pump effect.
Particular advantages are that the sample container 10 is capable of repeated use, without removal of the packaging 12, which can carry advertising as well as instructions to the user to "press here".

Claims

1. A sample container comprising packaging and a sheet formed into a non-planar shape, the sheet presenting a first shaped portion generally discernible through the packaging and a second shaped portion generally hidden by the packaging, the first shaped portion having the outline of a container which might be expected to hold a sample of a fluid product and the second shaped portion having a backing secured to the sheet to form a reservoir which actually holds a sample of the fluid product, with the sheet further presenting an outlet which is in flow communication with the reservoir and is in alignment with an opening through the packaging.
2. A sample container according to claim 1, in which the outlet is in the form of a nozzle openable by a pin.
3. A sample container according to either preceding claim, in which the outlet protrudes through the opening in the packaging.
4. A sample container according to any preceding claim, in which the container protrudes through an aperture of complementary shape in the packaging.
5. A sample container according to any preceding claim, in which the reservoir is in the form of a resiliently deformable dome of circular outline.
6. A sample container according to any preceding claim, in which the reservoir is located vertically above the outlet which is itself located vertically above the container in an intended orientation.
7. A sample container according to any preceding claim, in which the sheet is a plastics material, the backing is a foil, and the packaging is a cardboard sleeve.
PCT/GB1993/001426 1992-07-10 1993-07-07 Sample containers WO1994001343A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU45109/93A AU4510993A (en) 1992-07-10 1993-07-07 Sample containers

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB929214661A GB9214661D0 (en) 1992-07-10 1992-07-10 Sample containers
GB9214661.2 1992-07-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994001343A1 true WO1994001343A1 (en) 1994-01-20

Family

ID=10718495

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1993/001426 WO1994001343A1 (en) 1992-07-10 1993-07-07 Sample containers

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4510993A (en)
GB (1) GB9214661D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1994001343A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2796368A1 (en) * 1999-04-27 2001-01-19 Valois Sa Dispenser for free samples of cosmetics comprises reservoir with deformable walls and dispensing outlet which has removable cover, both of which are enclosed in envelope whose top section can be removed to allow access to cover
WO2002042176A1 (en) * 2000-11-23 2002-05-30 Valois S.A.S. Sample fluid product dispenser
FR2825984A1 (en) * 2001-06-14 2002-12-20 Valois Sa Liquid dispenser comprises molded sheet with reservoir in form of perfume bottle which fits into aperture in first sheet connected by strip to second sheet with a flexible membrane which fits over reservoir
US6651846B2 (en) 2001-06-14 2003-11-25 Valois S.A. Fluid dispenser assembly
FR2911121A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-07-11 Valois Sas FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING ASSEMBLY

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DD151286A5 (en) * 1979-06-08 1981-10-14 Panpack Ag PACKAGE AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING AND DISPENSING SMALL QUANTITIES OF FLUIDABLE MATERIALS
US4824143A (en) * 1987-10-08 1989-04-25 Webcraft Technologies, Inc. Lipstick sampler and method of fabrication
WO1991017931A1 (en) * 1990-05-22 1991-11-28 Frank Meehan Package and method for a liquid sample

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DD151286A5 (en) * 1979-06-08 1981-10-14 Panpack Ag PACKAGE AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING AND DISPENSING SMALL QUANTITIES OF FLUIDABLE MATERIALS
US4824143A (en) * 1987-10-08 1989-04-25 Webcraft Technologies, Inc. Lipstick sampler and method of fabrication
WO1991017931A1 (en) * 1990-05-22 1991-11-28 Frank Meehan Package and method for a liquid sample

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE WPIL, no. 78-G6713A, DERWENT PUBLICATIONS LTD., London, GB, *

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2796368A1 (en) * 1999-04-27 2001-01-19 Valois Sa Dispenser for free samples of cosmetics comprises reservoir with deformable walls and dispensing outlet which has removable cover, both of which are enclosed in envelope whose top section can be removed to allow access to cover
WO2002042176A1 (en) * 2000-11-23 2002-05-30 Valois S.A.S. Sample fluid product dispenser
FR2825984A1 (en) * 2001-06-14 2002-12-20 Valois Sa Liquid dispenser comprises molded sheet with reservoir in form of perfume bottle which fits into aperture in first sheet connected by strip to second sheet with a flexible membrane which fits over reservoir
WO2002102680A1 (en) * 2001-06-14 2002-12-27 Valois Sas Fluid product dispensing assembly
US6651846B2 (en) 2001-06-14 2003-11-25 Valois S.A. Fluid dispenser assembly
FR2911121A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-07-11 Valois Sas FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSING ASSEMBLY
WO2008099096A2 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-08-21 Valois Sas Assembly for dispensing a fluid product
WO2008099096A3 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-11-06 Valois Sas Assembly for dispensing a fluid product
CN101578059B (en) * 2007-01-10 2011-03-09 瓦卢瓦有限合伙公司 Assembly for dispensing a fluid product
US8074840B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2011-12-13 Valois Sas Fluid dispenser assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9214661D0 (en) 1992-08-19
AU4510993A (en) 1994-01-31

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