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  Container comprising a disposable cleaning implement and a method of promoting the sale of a disposable cleaning implementUSPTO Application #: 20070227928Title: Container comprising a disposable cleaning implement and a method of promoting the sale of a disposable cleaning implement Abstract: A packaging container (10) for at least one, though preferably two, disposable cleaning implements (12), having an opening (30) formed therein extending from a top section (18), through a front display section (22), and ending in a side section (24). The opening (30) is defined by two generally arcuate intersecting cuts or lines (32, 34). The arrangement of the cleaning implements (12) within the container (10) along with the opening (30) provide visual and physical access to the implements (12) such that a potential purchaser may see, touch and/or manipulate components of the cleaning implements (12). The container (10) may also include printed graphics (49) and written instructions of use (48) or marketing claims for promoting the sale of the cleaning implement (12). (end of abstract) Agent: S.c. Johnson & Son, Inc. - Racine, WI, US Inventors: Christopher R. Olson, Michelle E. St. Jacques USPTO Applicaton #: 20070227928 - Class: 206459500 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Special Receptacle Or Package, With Indicia Or Area Modified For Indicia The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070227928. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/450,315, filed Jun. 10, 2006, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/141,099 filed May 31, 2005, the contents of these patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to cleaning devices, and specifically to packaging for a disposable cleaning implement that is capable of picking up and retaining particulate debris located on a fabric surface and a method of promoting the sale thereof. More specifically, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to packaging for one or two cleaning implements with an opening enabling consumers to touch and/or manipulate components of the cleaning implements, instructions for using the same, along with various marketing and performance claims. [0003] It is common practice in the industry to provide merchandise for sale in boxes, containers and the like made from varying materials. One type of such packaging material is chipboard which is easily formed into a rugged package with a rectangular or square-shaped cross section. The typical chipboard package container provides no visual or physical access to the contents therein. Typically, the package may contain a graphic image of the product along with product usage information and promotional material. [0004] However, sealed packaging creates a barrier and separates a potential purchaser from the product. This may be acceptable for established products where the features and functionality of the cleaning implement is readily apparent. However, where features or the functionality of the product are not readily evident by merely looking at the packaging, it can be difficult to market that cleaning product to the consumer. This is particularly true when a new or unique cleaning product is brought to the market. Accordingly, some manufacturers have attempted to provide means in the packaging to operate or at least view features of their products that are best understood when in operation. [0005] One example of this approach is the use of cellophane "windows" such that a consumer is able to see features of the packaged product. However, merely viewing a product through a cellophane window gives only a limited visual indication of the design and not the functionality of a particular product. Other packaging, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,471 for a flexible toothbrush package, permits a consumer to both see and manipulate the product contained therein. Still other packaging includes CD-ROMs, DVDs and the like in an attempt to market and educate a consumer about a cleaning product. However, this approach does not help market a product at the point of sale, it only helps educate a consumer once the item has been purchased. [0006] Therefore, the present invention was developed as a way to provide both visual and physical access to a cleaning item such as a fabric sweeper, while still in the packaging container in an effort to market the product and educate the consumer at the same time. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a disposable cleaning implement comprising a clear housing and a cleaning surface is provided. The housing comprises a handle and a cavity defined by the housing comprises a receptacle for particulate debris. The cleaning surface comprises preferably two unidirectional fabric-covered rollers connected to the housing. [0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a container comprising at least one disposable cleaning implement is provided. The container comprises a box of thin-walled plastic, cardboard, pressboard or chipboard having a top, bottom, front, back and two sides defining a cavity. An opening defined by two intersecting arcuate cuts is formed in the container wherein a portion of the cleaning surface of the cleaning implement is presented to consumers to be touched and manipulated while the cleaning implement is in the container. In another embodiment, the container houses two cleaning implements such that the cleaning implements are arranged in an opposing manner such that a non-cleaning surface of one cleaning implement and the cleaning surface of the other cleaning implement are presented to consumers. [0009] The container may further include instructions for using the disposable cleaning implement. This may include the steps of: a) sliding the cleaning implement side-to-side; and b) disposing the cleaning implement when the implement appears to be either full or to no longer pick up debris. The instructions may be described with text or depicted visually with graphics. [0010] The container may further include marketing claims regarding the cleaning implement. This may include a statement that the cleaning implement lifts and traps pet hair, lint, dust and allergens, from upholstered furniture. The container may further comprise graphics or text indicating that a roller cleaning surface is lightly colored for showing debris retained by the cleaning surface. The cleaning implement may also have a printed pattern, graphic, logo, branding information, or similar information formed on the cleaning implement. [0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of promoting the sale of a disposable cleaning implement such as a fabric sweeper includes the steps of: a) displaying a chipboard container with a opening formed therein with two cleaning implements; and b) arranging a non-cleaning surface of the first cleaning implement and a cleaning surface of the second cleaning implement so that both are simultaneously presented to a consumer. Instructions for use and marketing claims such as described above may also be included as part of the method. [0012] These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views. [0014] In the drawings: [0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning implement package with an elongate opening and two cleaning implements according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed from in front of, above, and the right side of the package; [0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1, viewed from in front of, above, and the left side of the package; [0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of the package of FIG. 1; [0018] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the package of FIG. 1; [0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of one side of the package of FIG. 1; [0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of the other side of the package of FIG. 1; Continue reading... Full patent description for Container comprising a disposable cleaning implement and a method of promoting the sale of a disposable cleaning implement Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Container comprising a disposable cleaning implement and a method of promoting the sale of a disposable cleaning implement patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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