Method and apparatus for merchandising dispensable products

Abstract

A method for merchandising products in fillable containers is disclosed. The method employs a container having a digital storage media affixed to the container, which is displayed to the consumer to affect the consumers buying decision. Container and digital media systems useful in the invention also are disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 531,942 filed on Dec. 23, 2003 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Merchandising Dispensable Products.”FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a method of merchandising products in a retail, convenience store or similar environment. More specifically, the method relates to promoting the sale of vendible or dispensed products, such as soft drinks, by providing promotional or informational digital media on the container for the dispensed item. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] During the past few decades, convenience stores have become a much more prominent source for certain consumer goods. Typically located at high traffic areas such as busy corners or interstate highway interchanges, convenience stores alternatively may by located at high foot or motor vehicle traffic locations such as busy corners or shopping malls. They are also co-l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] We have found that many of the difficulties inherent in distributing digital storage media in a convenience or retail store environment can be avoided by utilizing existing container designs in conjunction with innovative display techniques.

[0022] Affixing the digital media to the container provides a one to one relationship of media to dispensed product. Unlike lid-borne media, the size and shape of the container make it more difficult to remove the media from the store without purchasing a dispensed product. Furthermore, utilizing design elements of the external surface of an existing container, such as a recess in the bottom of a cup, avoids mechanical redesign of the container or the use of special containers, and also avoids the difficulty of obtaining FDA food contact approval for the containers beyond that which has already been obtained by the container manufacturer.

[0023] Proper display of containers in accordance with the invention draws substantial consumer attention to media affixed to the product, and can favorably influence consumers to purchase products in those containers.

Problems solved by technology

Unlike lid-borne media, the size and shape of the container make it more difficult to remove the media from the store without purchasing a dispensed product.

Images