Special receptacle or package – For an optical device or element – Camera
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-30
2001-05-22
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For an optical device or element
Camera
C206S770000, C206S776000, C053S467000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234308
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Area of the Art
The present invention is directed to a container assembly and method for displaying a product contained therein to prospective consumers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of display packages are used to attract attention to products on store shelf displays. Typical of such packages are blister packages or the like which mount the product on a paper or cardboard backing member and surround the product on its front side with a transparent plastic blister. Such packages allow the product to be viewed by prospective consumers. After purchase, blister packages are typically discarded, leaving the product without any protection from its storage environment. Alternative display packages include packages that are reconfigurable from a display container to a gift container.
However, none of the prior display packages provide a permanent container for the product and a temporary container for receiving the permanent container that displays the contents of the permanent container through the temporary container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a container assembly and method for displaying a product, e.g., a camera (disposable or non-disposable), for viewing by a consumer. In embodiments of the present invention, an inner permanent container is configured to accept a product in a cavity defined therein. Accordingly, the permanent container is preferably formed from a rigid material such as metal or plastic. The permanent container has a front surface that is either transparent or openable for displaying the contents thereof. For example, the front surface may include a cover that is moveable from an open to a closed position. The cover may be detachable from an open front surface of the permanent container and alternately attachable to its rear surface to expose the product contained therein. A temporary container, having at least a generally transparent front surface is configured to accept the permanent container having the product contained therein. Accordingly, the product contained within the permanent container can thus be viewed through the transparent surface of the temporary container and the open front surface of the permanent container. Once a product has been purchased by a consumer, the permanent container can be removed from the temporary container and the temporary container can be discarded. The product can then be stored within the permanent container by closing the openable front surface such as by attaching the detachable cover to the front surface of the permanent container.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the size of the product closely conforms to the size of a cavity defined by permanent container such that movement of the product within the permanent container is minimized during transport while still enabling insertion of the product within the permanent container. Similarly, the cavity defined by the temporary container is formed to allow insertion of the permanent container while still minimizing movement during transport.
In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the permanent container is made from a metallic material and the temporary container is formed from a plastic material. In accordance with still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the temporary container is formed from a single folded sheet of a plastic material.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Saffron David M.
Saffron Jack
Bui Luan K.
Martin & Ferraro LLP
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