WO2005013247A1

WO2005013247A1 - Promotional compact disc carrier system

Info

Publication number: WO2005013247A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000644
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodney Mason; David Bain; Derek Grul; Harold Morgan
Original assignee: Promocafe Worldwide Llc
Priority date: 2003-07-28
Filing date: 2004-05-18
Publication date: 2005-02-10
Also published as: JP2006518309A

Abstract

A promotional device combining a compact disc holder function (200) and a compact disc adaptor function (300), said device adapted to releasably attach a compact disc to a container, cup, or bottle, said device further adapter for conversion from said holder function to said adaptor function by rotation of a plurality of radially disposed elements (214) from a first coplanar radially inward direction to a second coplanar radially outward direction.

Description

Promotional Compact Disc Carrier System

The invention concerns a promotional system comprising a container which has a carrier of promotional material affixed to it in a releasably way. The container may be a bottle, such as a soft drink bottle, a beverage can or an open topped drink container. Preferably the carrier of promotional material is a compact disk, such as one with an outer diameter of about 54 mm, or a promotional token. A variety of methods of releasably fixing the container and carrier together can be employed.

BACKGROUND

Promoting products is an important function in the modern world. Nowadays, products are packaged in a more sophisticated manner to that used in the past. The packaging or container used with a particular product usually displays information in an appealing and attractive manner, to encourage consumers to select that product from among other competing products.

In the past, promotional information has generally been provided physically on. the packaging or container being used. For example, games and competitions associated with a product usually have the necessary information printed on the container or packaging. Also, give-away items that a consumer may obtain only if they purchase a product commonly require that the consumer write away for them.

Some simple give-away items may be included with" a product, either inside the product's container or packaging so they are only available after the product is opened, or on the exterior if this is not possible.- An improved and alternative approach has now been found to combine a give- away item of a promotional nature with a container of a product that a consumer c.onsequently desires to purchase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF IMVENTIOlSf

The invention involves a promotional system comprising a container having a carrier of promotional material releasably fixed to it. Preferably, the container is a bottle, and the carrier of promotional material may be a compact disk having pre-recorded data on at least one side. Alternatively, the carrier of promotional material may be a token having data of a promotional nature on at least one side.

If the carrier should be a compact disk, then it may have an outer diameter of about 54 mm. Preferably, the compact disk may contain pre-recorded music, pre-recorded video or images, pre-recorded data able to be read using a computer, pre-recorded data able to . interact on the internet, or a pre-recorded game able to be read using an electronic games console, or combinations of any of these.

Optionally, the promotional system may additionally contain an adaptor able to retain the compact disk, and of a size and shape to be inserted into. a compact disk player that is of the tray type, so as to allow the compact disk to be playable in the player. In this case, then the adaptor may have a central aperture of a diameter that matches the outer diameter of the compact disk, and have means to retain the compact disk concentrically within this aperture, such that the adaptor is otherwise of the same general shape and size of a standard compact disk.

If the carrier should be a token, then it' may be a disk that has an outer diameter of about 54 mm. The bottle may be made of a plastic or of glass, or other suitable materials. Preferably, the bottle is for carbonated beverages. One preferred container for use with the promotional system, may be one having a top portion having a neck opening and a closure cap for the opening, a base portion and generally tubular sides, but other types of containers may also be suitable.

The promotional system employs a variety of ways to fix the carrier and container together in a releasable fashion. For example, the carrier of promotional material may be releasably affixed to the closure cap of the container.

Alternatively, the carrier of promotional material may be releasably affixed to the base of the container. As another alternative, the carrier of promotional material may be releasably affixed to the sides of the container, and in this case preferably the promotional system is such that the maximum size of the carrier of promotional material is approximately no greater than the minimum size of the projection of the container onto the carrier. In other words, the carrier of promotional material is approximately co-extensive with the surface to which it is releasable affixed, or to a projection of the container onto the carrier.

Alternatively, the carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to the container by means of an adhesive. As a further alternative, the carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to the container by means of a break-away coating or wrapping. '

Another alternative is when the carrier of promotional material may be releasably affixed to the container by means of releasable latching means integral with and on either or both of the container and the carrier- Otherwise,_, the carrier of promotional material may be releasably affixed to the container by latching means that releasably retains the carrier, and releasably latches to the container. In this situation, then preferably the latching means may be separate from the container a.s well as from the .carrier. Again with this option, then the latching means -nay be a cap that releasably retains the carrier within a recess, and releasably. latches to a portion of the container.

A further alternative is where the carrier of promotional material may be releasably affixed to the container by means of manually releasable closure means on the container interlinking with the carrier. As a further option, the carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to the container by other bonding means. Also, combinations- of the approaches outlined above may be utilized.

As an option, the carrier of promotional material may be releasably affixed to the container in a tamper-proof manner. Preferably also, the carrier may be retained at least partly within a recess in the container. Alternatively, the carrier may be retained against a surface of the container.

Furthermore, another aspect of the invention involves a method of promotion of a product, which comprises allowing a consumer to select a promotional system, the promotional system comprising a container having a carrier of promotional information releasably affixed thereto, and th . product is contained within the container, and the promotional information appeals to the consumer; whereby the consumer purchases the promotional system, and releases the carrier from the container to obtain the- promotional information.

In addition, another aspect of the invention concerns a a promotipnal article comprising a cup that releasably retains a carrier of promotional information within a recess therein, and releasably latches to a portion of a container- The carrier and container is as outlined above.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a promotional device combining a compact disc holder function and a compact disc adaptor function; said device adapted to releasably attach a compact disc to a container; said device further adapted for conversion from said holder function to said adaptor function by rotation of a plurality of radially disposed elements from a first coplanar radially inward direction to a. second coplanar radially outward direction. Preferably said holder function provides for the releasable attachment of a non-standard diameter compact disc to a container. Preferably said adaptor function provides for the playing of said non-standard compact disc in a tray type compact disc player. Preferably said non-standard compact disc has a diameter smaller than a standard 120 millimeter disc. Preferably said container is a metal beverage container of circular section provided with an .upper sealing rim. Preferably said container is a jar_. having a circular lid. Preferably said container is bottle having a cylindrical base portion. Preferably said container is any metal can of circular section having at least an upper sealing rim. Preferably said non-standard compact disc- is of a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said container. Preferably said device is provided with a downwardly depending annular skirt; said skirt having an internal diameter adapted to releasably engage with said sealing rim as a sliding fit. •Preferably said skirt has an internal surface provided with at least one annular inwardly projecting ridge adapted to releasably engage with said sealing rim as a snap fit. Preferably said internal diameter of said skirt is adapted to releasably engage with said circular lid as a press fit. Preferably said internal diameter and surface of said skirt is adapted to releasably engage with said cylindrical base portion of said bottle. Preferably said skirt is detachably connected along its upper internal edge to a plurality of leaf elements extending radially inward from said upper internal edge. Preferably said leaf elements are of approximately trapezoidal shape so as to have side edges tapering radially inwards from a concavely curving base edge. Preferably said leaf elements are- detachably connected to a central hub-. Preferably said central hub is provided with a downwardly projecting boss adapted to the retention of said non-standard compact disc by engaging a standard diameter central aperture in said non-standard compact disc as a press fit. Preferably said non-standard compact disc is retained within said device when said device is functioning as a compact disc holder; said compact disc outer diameter lying inside said internal diameter of said annular skirt; a surface of said compact disc lying adjacent to the underside of said leaf elements; said compact disc standard diameter central aperture engaging said downwardly projecting boss of said central hub. Preferably connections of said leaf elements to said skirt and connections of said leaf elements to said central hub are by means of thin breakable elements. Preferably said leaf elements are joined together at corners adjacent to said upper internal edge of said skirt^' by flexible elements. Preferably said concavely curving base edge adjoins said upper internal ^• edge of said skirt; said concavely curving base edge forming an arc having a radius equal to the radius of said non-standard compact disc. Preferably said- concavely curving bas.e edge of each leaf element of said plurality of leaf elements is provided with at least a pair of tabs extending^' outwardly from the upper surface of said leaf element and at least one ledge extending outwardly from the lower surface of said leaf element; said at least a pair of tabs and said at least one ledge spaced apart so as to nest the edge of a standard thickness compact disc. Preferably said device is converted from said compact disc holder function to said compact disc adaptor function by steps including^': (a) breaking said thin breakable elements joining •said leaf elements to said skirt so as to remove said skirt from said device, (b) removing said non-standard compact disc from said boss of said central hub, (σ) breaking said thin breakable elements joining said hub to said leaf elements so as to remove said hub from said device, (d) rotating each said leaf element out of the common plane of said leaf elements about said flexible elements from said first coplanar radially inward ^■ direction to said second coplanar radially outward direction, (e) inserting the edge of said non-standard compact disc to nest between each of said at least a pair of tabs and said at least one ledge of each of said leaf elements so as to form a coplanar assembly of said non-standard compact disc with said leaf elements. In a yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for the presentation of promotional material with containers wherein said method includes the provision attachment means; said attachment means convertible to adaptor means; said method including the steps of: (a) Preparation of promotional material in the form of non-standard compact discs, (b) Insertion of said non-standard compact discs into said attachment means, (c) Attaching said attachment means to said containers . ' Preferably said adaptor means enable the playin ^• of said non-standard compact disc in a ^• tray type compact disc player. Preferably said non-standard compact disc is smaller than a standard 120 millimeter compact disc. Preferably -said attachment means are converted to adaptor means by the steps of: (a) Removing said attachment means from said container, (b) Removing said non-standard compact disc from said attachment means, (c) Modifying said attachment means to form said adaptor means, (d) Attaching said adaptor means, to said non-standard compact disc. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a closure lid for a beverage container; said closure lid provided with central support and retention means for a promotional digital data storage disc; said closure lid formed as a single plastic item. Preferably said beverage container is a cup-shaped disposable drink container having a circular upper edge.

Preferably said central support means is in the form of a central raised circular portion? said portion provided with a diameter at the base of said portion slightly smaller than the central aperture. of said storage disc and a diameter at the top of said portion slightly larger than said central aperture.

^•Preferably said beverage container is formed of a plastic material.

Preferably said beverage container is formed of paper. Preferably said closure lid is comprised of a circular central portion provided at its periphery with an annular inverted ^O" shaped rim.

Preferably said circular central portion includes a circular raised central portion; the diameter of said raised central portion approximately equal to the diameter of said central aperture of said digital data storage disc.

Preferably said rim is adapted to seat over said circular upper edge of said beverage container; said rim and said circular central portion so dimensioned as to provide a friction fit between the internal surface of said beverage container and the internal annular surface of said rim.

Preferably said raised central portion extends upwardly from said circular central portion to project above the upper surface of a- digital data storage disc when said disc is resting on said circular central portion.

Preferably the diameter of a lower portion of said circular raised central portion is slightly smaller than said diameter of said central aperture.

Preferably the diameter of said circular raised central portion projecting above said upper surface of a digital data storage disc resting on said circular central portion is slightly larger than said central aperture. Preferably said circular raised central portion is provided with slits arranged to form a cro^'ss centered on said raised central portion and adapted for piercing by a drinking straw.

Preferably an annular portion of said circular central portion adjacent said annular rim forms a depressed trough such that the periphery of said digital data storage disc overlies said depressed trough.

Preferably said digital data storage disc has a diameter of approximately 80 -millimetres. preferably said digital data storage disc is provided with a circular transparent protective sleeve.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for the provision to a consumer of a promotional digital data storage disc with a disposable beverage container; said method including providing a closure lid with said beverage cup; said- closure lid formed as a single plastic item adapted to support and retain said digital data storage disc.

Preferably said beverage container is a cup-shaped disposable drink container having a circular upper edge.

^• Preferably said closure lid is' comprised of a circular central portion provided with a rim adapted to seat over said circular upper edge of said beverage container and a raised central portion adapted to retain said data storage disc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention is now discussed with reference to drawings, where:

Figure 1 shows one embqdiment of the promotional system, where the carrier is held within a separate cup that attaches to the base of the bottle.

Figure 2 shows a slightly different embodiment, and a more detailed view, than the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with the latching cup, CD carrier and bottle container shown separated.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, with the latching cup, CD carrier and bottle container shown in place.

Figure 4 relates to an alternate embodiment, where the carrier is retained on a cap for the bottle, and shows a bottle cap wit.h an integrated latching mechanism for retaining a CD carrier. Figure 5 shows yet another version of the promotional system. In this example,, the CD is retained within a recess on the side of the bottle, and covered by a label.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a promotional system for the attachment of a CD to the base of a bottle by means of an adaptor configurable so as to allow the CD to be played in a tray type CD player.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a promotional system for the attachment of a CD to the top of a beverage can by means of an adaptor configurable so as to allow the CD to be played in a tray type CD player.

Figure 8 is a portion of the adaptor of figure 7.

Figure 9 shows partial sectioned elevation views of the adaptor of figures 7 - 8,

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the adaptor of either figure 6 or figures 7 - 9. when configured for playing a promotional CD according to the invention in a tray type CD player.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further version of a promotional system for the provision of a data disc as an attachment to the closure lid of a drink container.

Figure 12 comprises cross section side views of portions of the promotional system of figure 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In Figure 1, a promotional system (1) is shown. consisting of a soft-drink bottle (2) having a top surface (3), a base (4) and sides (5). The top (3) has a neck (6) and a cap (7) , There is a compact disk (8) that is the carrier of promotional information, which is retained within the cup (9) in a recess at the bottom of the cup. The cup (9) is releasably affixed over the base (4) of the bottle (2)^'.

In Figure 2, a promotional system, (lj is displayed consisting of a soft-drink bottle (2) having a top surface (3), a base (4) and sides (5).. The top (3) has a neck (6) and a cap (7) . There is a compact disk (8) that is the carrier of promotional information such as music that can be played in a CD player.

The compact disk (8) is releasable fixed to the base (4) of the bottle (2) by means of a cup (9) which functions as a releasable latching means. The compact disk (8) has a diameter that is commensurate with the diameter of the base (4) and sides (5) of the bottle; for example of 54 mm- The cup (9) has a recess (10) in its base that is the .same size as the CD (8), so that the CD can be retained in the base of the cup. In this example, this is done by means of dimples- (11) that retain the CD in its recess (10) located^" just above the top surface of the CD when it is positioned within its recess. The CD (8) can be released from its recess using finger -press on the base of the cup. The plastic material of the cup is deformable so that the CD pops out of its recess past the dimples.

The cup (9) has sides (12) that are of the same dimensions as the base (4) area of the bottle, so that it fits snugly around the base. The base of the cup is flat, to allow the bottle to stand up when the cup is in place. The cup (9) fits around the base (4) of the_. bottle, and in this example, there is a small ridge (13) extending around the upper edge of the cup that acts^' as a finger grip to assist with removing the cup (9) from the bottle (2).

Figure 3 shows the same promotional system (1) in- partial cross-section, with the bottle (2)_/ cup (9) a CD (8) in place. The cup (9) fits firmly around the base (4) area of the bottle (the drawing in Figure 2 exaggerates the gap between the cup and bottle surface for clarity) , ϊhe cup (9) is preferably designed to leave a space (13) between the bottom of the bottle and the CD. This helps prevent the information-carrying surface of the CD from being scratched or otherwise damaged.

The material from which the cup is made should be sufficiently ^■ strong to support the^* weight of the bottle, and flexible enough to allow the CD to be removed from the cup, and- the cup from the base of the bottle.

The central hole (14) in the CD is represented in Figure 3.

Some bottles have strengthening indents around their base, as indicated as (15) in Figure 2, while others do not, as shown in Figure 1. The sides (12) of the cup may or may not match the pattern of these indents (15) . Other means than the dimples (10) in Figure 2 may be used to hold the CD (8) in place. More than one method may be used.

Figure 4 shows a cap (20) that forms part Of another embodiment of the invention. In this .example, the cap (2) contains- latching means (21) in its top surface. The latching means (21) consist of a number of flexible teeth that engage with the central hole of a CD, to retain it in place on the cap. The top of the bottle, with the cap and its attached CD in place, may, in one preferred embodiment, be covered by a cup arrangement, similar to that described above, but without the CD-retaining recess in the cup. Or else, the cup can be dispensed with, or the bottle/cap/CD arrangement may be covered with a protective film. in Figure 5, the bottle (2) has a recess (25) located in the side (5) of the bottle, with a latching means (26) consist of a number of flexible teeth that engage with the central hole (14) of a CD (8), to retain it in -place. A retaining label (28) on the bottle helps to holds, it in place. The label may be a separate strip of plastic that matches the design on the label that is printed or glued directly onto the side of the bottle. Otherwise, it may be a transparent strip or a wrapping covering the entire bottle. Th retaining label (28) may be dispensed with, also.

Any type of container may be used in the promotion system, but it is preferred that the container should be a bottle. However, the container may otherwise be a can, a tin, a flask, a jar, a flagon, a decanter, a pot, ^' cup especially one with a removable cover, or the like. Preferably the container is suitable for holding beverages, such as carbonated beverages, for human consumption.

The bottle, or other container may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic or glass. If the container is a bottle for carbonated beverages, it ideally may be made from glass, or a plastic such as PET.

The carrier of promotional material preferably is a compact disk, or a token or ticket carrying promotional material. The compact disk, or other suitable carrier of information, may contain a variety of different types of information, including, but not limited to: pre-recorded music, or pre-recorded video or images, or pre-recorded data able to be read using a computer or able to interact with the internet or other data system such as that used with mobile telephones, or else a pre-recorded game able to be read using an electronic games console. These types of information all have value to consumers and therefore promote the purchase of the container, and more importantly, the product within the container.

As used herein, the term compact disk, includes any device that can be played in a compact ^' disk player, which normally has a central aperture to allow for playing it in the type of player that retains the disk by means of this aperture.

The compact disk (or "CD") is a moulded plastic disk containing digital data. A low powered laser beam scans the disk to reproduce recorded information. The compact disk was invented by Philips Electronics N.V. and Sony Corporation in 1980, and introduced commercially in 1982 ' for digital audio reproduction. The compact disk has expanded beyond audio recordings into other storage and data distribution uses, notably for computers (eg, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW) and entertainment systems (eg, videodisk, DVD) _..

A standard CD is 120. mm (4.75 inches) in diameter and is 1.2 mm (0.05 inches) thick, and has a central circular hole. It is composed of a clear polycarbonate plastic substrate, a reflective metallic layer, and a clear protective coating of acrylic plastic. The reflective metallic layer holds the data, which is kept in the form of minuscule depressions (pits) and contrasting flat regions (lands) that are arranged in a spiral track . (groove) winding from the disk's inner hole to its circumference. The centres of adjacent grooves are^' spaced 1.6 micrometres apart. The central hole has a diameter of 15 mm.

A smaller CD (eg, Minidisk) of 80 mm (3.1 inches) in diameter is also used for audio. There is also a larger version, for video disks (eg, "laserdisk") with a diameter of 120 to 300 mm (4.7 to 11.8 inches).

A DVD has the same dimensions as a standard CD but cannot be read by a standard CD player, although a DVD player can read standard CDs. DVD disks have smaller pits and separation tracks than with a standard CD.

Some CDs have a shape that is not circular, for example they can be rectangular or square. Also CDs may not have a centre hole, or may be double sided.

The CD that is one preferred embodiment of the •invention is ideally of a size that is commensurate with the container to which it is affixed. An example of this, is a smaller than normal CD, being a round disk with an outer diameter of 54mm, although other sizes close to this size are also possible. The centre hole should ideally match that for a standard- CD. The CDs that are to be utilised in the promotional system should be selected with one constant diameter, and that of 54mm is preferred.

The CD should be manufactured in the same manner as other CDs are currently manufactured, but with a different outer diameter, and made from the same material, generally a poly-carboxylate polymer..

There are commonly two types of players for CDs. One type holds the CD by means of its centre hole while loading it into the player, while the other type requires the CD to be placed in a tray resting there on the CD's outer edge. The small CDs, which are a preferred embodiment of the current invention, will work with the first type- of player, but may require an adaptor to work with the second type of player. This adaptor would allow a CD that is smaller than the standard size of a CD to be held in the tray of the piayer, and thus to operate like a standard CD.

Providing such an adaptor is optional. But if the container is a bottle for beverages, then such an adaptor may be included in the bulk packaging for a six-pack, carton, or other bulk packaging for the bottles, for instance.

The adaptor is able to retain the compact disk, of whatever size it may be, and allow the combined compact disk and adaptor to be inserted into a tray-type of CD player. The adaptor will have a central aperture with a matching diameter with the compact disk that is the carrier, and have means to retain it in place. It otherwise may be the same shape and size as a standard CD; namely 120 mm in diameter and about 1.2 mm thick.

^• Any suitable means to hold the CD in place within the central cavity of the adaptor can be used. For example, the inner diameter of the adaptor may be slightly concave and a little larger, than the outer diameter and thickness of the carrier CD, allowing the two to be clipped together using a small amount of pressure. The adaptor may be removable, and therefore able to be used with other carrier CDs, or else it may be permanently attached. Otherwise small clips, or other means, may be used to hold the adaptor and carrier CD together.

The adaptor may be a solid annulus, or else have patterns of voids within it, to reduce its weight. The adaptor may be constructed of any suitable material, but can, if desired, be made from some relatively inexpensive material, such as a plastic. Alternatively, the adaptor its.elf can be a portion of a compact disk, which is playable together with the carrier CD.

The adapter may contain advertising or promotional material on its surface, together with instructions for connecting it to the inner carrier compact disk. It may have promotional information on it that will interact with the information on the carrier compact disk. For example, there may be a competition, which requires information to win being on the carrier CD (or non-CD item if the carrier is not a CD) as well as on the carrier. As another example, the adaptor may be a portion of a CD having the software to run an electronic game, while the interchangeable carrier CD portion holds different data, or game scenarios, levels or add-ons, to run with the software.

The carrier may, instead of a compact disk, be a promotional token or ticket. Such a token will hold promotional information on it, normally of a written or graphical nature, which is normally retrievable after the container to which it is affixed is purchased and the carrier removed.

One approach to achieving this is to have a circular, flat token, made of a resilient material that is resistant , to bending, such as hard plastic, cardboard, o metal, which has promotional material on one side, which is ideally the interior side that lies closest to the surface of the container to which it is attached. The other, exterior, side of the token may have promotional material as well of a less significant nature, or other information such as advertising material. Ideally, the promotional material on the interior side will not be discernable until the ticket is removed. As a further alternative, the interior side may have promotional material that has an opaque covering layer, that can only be discerned after removing the token from the container, and scratching the covering layer away. The promotional material in this instance may be the answers to a competition, for example.

A token that has a size similar to the surface to which it is attached is preferred. Such a token may ^"be a circular disk with a diameter or 54 mm. Other sizes may also be selected instead.

A token and a CD may be affixed in combination. Or a multiplicity of tokens, or CDs, or mixture of CDs and tokens may be affixed to the container.

An example ^' of a suitable- container for use with the promotional system is one that has a top surface with a neck opening that has a closure cap for this opening, a base and generally tubular sides. The tubular sides will then generally match the overall shape of the preferred flat disk CD and/or token carrier of promotional ^• information.

The carrier • may be affixed to the container at a variety of positions. For example the carrier may be affixed to the closure cap, the base of the container, or ^• to its sides. As mentioned above the relative sizes of the carrier and the container to whiph it is fixed should be of similar. This means, that if a 54mm CD is fixed to the cap ^• of a soft-drink bottle, then its overall dimensions is commensurate with the size of the waist of the bottle, so as not to affect the packing, storag and transportation facilities required for the container. It the carrier is fixed to the base of a soft drink bottle, for example, then a 54mm CD or token is normally approximately the same size as the diameter of the bottle's base area.

One method of attaching the carrier and container is to use an releasable adhesive, ideally one that will allow the two items to be. separated by hand, but strong enough to keep them fixed together until their purchase, and an adhesive material that does not cause damage to either item in the process.

Another method for attachment is to place the two items together and fix them i place using a break-away coating or wrapping that partially or fully surrounds them both. This may involve shrink-wrapping them with a thermoplastic ^' layer material that can be removed by hand after purchase to release the carrier and container.

Yet another method is by means of releasable latching means integral with, and located on, either or both of the container and the carrier. Examples of this are to attach the CD or a token having a centre hole to the top of the cap or around the neck portion of a bottle, or to a tear- away portion of a cap, using latching means. The CD, or token with an aperture, can be fixed to a latching means comprising a circular and flexible set of teeth, such as shown in Figure 4 in the drawings. Or else, the CD or token may have latch means integral to them,, perhaps located around their outer edge, as a set of bendable and latσhable' teeth for instance, which can grip to the top or base of a bottle. In these instances, this method may be combined with shrink-wrapping the items together, for added strength and tamper proofing.

As a further alternative, the promotional .system may be one where the carrier of promotional material is releasably af ixed to the container by manually releasable closure means on the container interlinking, with the carrier. This may be by having a ring-pull closure on the container to hold the carrier in place by projection through the centre hold of the CD for example, and only releasing it when the ring-pull is used to open the container.

The carrier may also be fixed in a releasable manner to the container, by being held in a carrier-shaped niche or recess,, One example is shown in Figure 5.

There may be additional means applied to make the system more tamper proof. This may involve adding wrappings or coatings that are destroyed or otherwise indicate if tampering has been attempted. Any conventional approaches to making the promotional system less prone to tampering may be utilised.

Furthermore, the promotional system may be one where the carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to the container by other bonding means, known to fix two items together in a releasable manner.

A further and preferred approach is to use latching means that releasably retains the carrier, and releasably latches to the container. The latching means in this instance may be separate from the carrier and container. Or if desired there may be some attachment means present. A separate latching means is the cup demonstrated in the drawings in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

The cup may be made ^' of any suitable material, especially plastic material, and more especially a cheap and light material but one strong enough and resilient enough to retain the CD or token within it, and latch to the base of the bottle or other container, and also to support the weight of the bottle, without breaking^', splitting or being damaged. Ideally the carrier is releasable held in a compartment in the base of the cup, and there is an air gap between the playable surface of the CD (or side containing the important promotional information for a token) , which is orientated towards the interior of the cup, and the base surface of the bottle.

Ideally there may be a projecting rim around the rim of the cup, or there may be other indentations, projections or the like, to act as finger grips to allow the cup and its carrier contents to be easily removed after the drink has been purchased.

The cup may be transparent, so that one side of the CD or token is made visible through the cup material, or else opaque, in order to hide this, as the type and situation of the promotion may dictate. The cup may also be printed with advertising, additional promotional information, or with attractive images, for instance.

The cup has a further and unexpected advantage, in that it may be used, once the carrier has been removed, as a drinking vessel for the contents of the soft-drink bottle. Or else the cup can be used to measure amounts of the contents of the container, by providing the cup with measuring graduations or other indications of quantity. The cup may also be used to share the contents with other people. The cup may also contain, or be structured a ^Λjewel-case' for the CD it contains, to allow the CD to be stored and protected when not being played. A separate conventional jewel case for the CD may be provided and included with the promotional system, if desired,

A further aspect of the invention- involves a promotional article comprising a cup that releasably retains a carrier of promotional information within a recess therein, and releasably latches to a portion of a container.

With this promotional article, preferably the carrier of ^■ promotional information is a compact disk or a token having data of a promotional nature on at least one side. Also preferably, the carrier of promotional information is a disk with an outer diameter of about 54 mm. -It may or may not also have a centre aperture, although this will normally be the situation with a CD as the carrier.

Ideally in this promotional article, the container is preferably a bottle-. Ideally the cup releasably latches on to the base portion of the bottle, and may be released to gain access to the carrier from inside its recess. Preferably the recess is at the base of the cup, and there is an airspace above the carrier when it is in place within its recess, between the carrier and the base of the bottle, or other container, when the cup is in place releasably latched upon the bottle.

The cup may be made from any suitable material . The material should be strong enough to support the bottle, without damage to the carrier or to itself. It may be transparent, or opaque, and may be coloured or printed in various ways .

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to figure 6, a compact disc holder and adaptor 100 is shown adapted for attaσhement to the base of a beverage bottle (not shown) . Compact disc holder and adaptor 100 is comprised of annular skirt 112, central hub 113 and leaves 114. Compact disc holder and adaptor 100 is formed from any suitable material but is preferably injection moulded from a relatively stiff but flexible plastic. Again with reference to figure 6, skirt 112 is connected to leaves 114 by means of a plurality of pairs of thin bridging lugs 115 adjoining flexible curved elements 116 which interconnect each of adjoining leaves 114. The inner edges of leaves' 114 are in turn connected by thin bridging lugs 117 to central hub 113. This arrangement is more clearly shown in igures 7 and 8 (which is a portion of an adapter for a beverage can) , where like features are numbered alike with the addition of 100 so that feture 113 is then 213 for example . The inner surface 118 of skirt 112 is adapted to releasably attach to the base of a bottle beverage container for which the compact disc holder and adaptor 100 is intended. In the present example inner surface .118 is provided with annular ring 119 adapted to grip around the bade of a bottle as a close sliding fit. Central hub 113 is so formed as to project above the upper surface of leaves 114 and is of a diameter adapted to allow the retention of a compact disc (not shown) by a press fit between the hub and the standard central .aperture of the compact disc. Figure 7 shows an example of the present embodiment adapted for retention of a compact disc 221 retained in adapter 200 attached to the top of a beverage can. As can be seen in figures 9 and 10 the edges 222 of leaves .214 adjoining rim 212 are curved with radius ^ΛR' where R is the ^' adius of the compact disc supported within the compact disc holder and adaptor 210. Furthermore edges

222 are provided with twin tabs 223 extending from the upper surface of leaves 214 located towards the outer ends of edge 222, and ledge 224 extending from the lower surface of leaves 214 in the centre of edge 222. The separation * ' between the opposing inner surfaces, of tabs

223 and ledge 224 as indicated on the enlarged section of figure 9 is equal to the thickness of a standard compact disc- To make use of the compact disc, it is first removed from the compact disc holder and adaptor 210. This may best be done by first removing skirt 212 by gently breaking each of the thin bridging lugs 215 after which the compact disc is readily removed from hub 213. Hub 213 is then removed from leaves 214 by breaking thin connection lugs 217. This allows the leaves 214 to be rotated out of their initial plane about flexible curved elements 216, in effect turning the array of leaves 214 inside out to again lie in the original plane but now with the leaves forming an outwardly projecting star-like pattern as shown in figure 10. This is now the compact disc adaptor 300. . Edges 222 of leaves 214 now lie on a circle of diameter 2R which is equal to the diameter of the small compact disc supplied with the beverage can. The corners of outer edges 225 which initially adjoined central hub 213 now define a circle 226 with diameter D' which is the diameter^' of a standard 120 millimeter compact disc. The small compact disc (not shown in figure 4 for clarity) is now clipped into the adaptor 300 so that the edge of the compact disc is held between tabs- 223 and ledges 224. The small compact disc and adaptor 300 now lie in the one plane simulating a 120 millimeter compact disc and may be inserted into a tray type compact disc player in the manner of a standard compact disc.

In still a further embodiment of the present invention a compact^' disc holder for releasable attachment to a container may be in the form of a lid for an open topped drink container. Disposable beverage containers such as used by take-away food outlets and snack bars are frequently fitted with a snap-on or friction fit lid to prevent spillage of the beverage when the container is carried from a point of sale to a point of consumption. The present embodiment of the invention is directed at a lid suited to this purpose and additionally adapted to supply a consumer with a promotional item in the form of a digital storage disc such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD) . With reference to figures 11 and 12 a closure lid 400 is fitted to a beverage container in the form of a standard disposable drinking cup 420 having a circular upper edge 421. Closure lid 400 in at least one preferred embodiment is formed from a single piece of thin plastic material such as for example a thermoplastic. As best seen in figure 12, closure lid 400 is comprised of a circular central portion 422 provided at its periphery with an annular inverted U" shaped rim 423. Circular central portion 422 is further provided at its centre with a raised central portion 424. In at least one preferred form of closure lid 400 an annular portion of the circular central portion 422 adjacent to the rim 423 is depressed relative to the level of central portion 422 so as to form an annular trough 425. The inverted "U" shaped rim 423 is so formed, and is of a diameter adapted to fit over the edge 421 of a standard disposable cup-shaped beverage container. Typically such containers are provided with a rounded or rolled edge depending on the material of construction and in at least one form of the closure lid 400 the rim 423 is provided with an additional indentation (not shown) adapted to form a slight snap fit with edge 421. Alternatively, or in addition, the diameter at the junction 429 between the inner leg of the ^wϋ" shaped rim and the annular trough 425 is such as to provide a friction fit with the inner surface 430 of container 420. Circular central portion 422 is adapted to support a digital data storage disc 26 and has a raised central portion 424 adapted to retain disc 426. It may also, be provided with cruciform slits as shown in figure 1 so as to allow the insertion of a drinking straw. Raised central portion 424 is of a height so as to project through the central aperture 427 of a digital data storage disc 26 placed on the upper surface 427 of circular central portion 22. . Raised central portion 424 ^"" is so formed that the diameter Dl of that portion of raised central portion 424 passing through central aperture 427, is just smaller than the diameter of central aperture 427, and the diameter D2 of that portion of raised central portion 424 extending above the upper surface of the digital data storage disc 426 is just larger than the diameter of central aperture 427, The plastic material of closure lid 400 is sufficiently deformable and resilient to allow the aperture of a digital data storage disc ^"to be pushed over the larger- diameter D2 so as to seat on circular central portion 22. The upper portion of raised^' central portion 424 then recovers its original diameter to thus retain the disc in position until required for use. It is then .a simple matter to release the disc from its retained position on raised central portion 424 without the application of undue force or the need to induce any distortion of the. rim -423 with possible spillage of the contents of the container. In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, digital data storage disc is provided with a circular transparent protective sleeve (not shown) . The sleeve may be sealed around its periphery with a central aperture approximately equal to that of the central aperture 427 of disc 426.

It will be apparent that obvious variations and modifications of the invention in accordance with its spirit can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and these are intended to be part of the invention.

Claims

1. A promotional system comprising a container having a carrier of promotional material releasably affixed thereto.

2, The promotional system of claim. 1, wherein said container is a bottle,

3. The promotional system of claims -1 or 2, wherein said carrier of promotional material is a compact disk having pre-recorded data on at least one side thereof.

4. The promotional system of claim 3, wherein said compact disk has an outer diameter of about 54 mm.

5. The promotional system of claim 3, wherein said compact disk contains pre-recorded music,

6. The promotional system of claim 3, wherein said compact disk contains pre-recorded video or images.

7-. The promotional system of claim 3, wherein said compact disk contains pre-recorded data able to be read using a computer.

8. The promotional system of claim 3, wherein said compact disk contains pre-recorded data able to interact on the interne .

9. The promotional system of claim 3, wherein said compact disk contains a pre-recorded game able to be read using an electronic games console..

10. The promotional system of any one of claims 3 to 9, which additionally contains an adaptor, able to retain said compact disk and of a size and shape to be inserted into a compact disk player that is of the tray type, and to allow said compact disk to be playable in said player.

11. The promotional system of claim 10, wherein said adaptor has a central aperture of a diameter that matches the outer diameter of said compact disk, and has means to retain said compact disk concentrically within said aperture, and said adaptor is otherwise of the same general shape and size of a standard compact disk.

12. The promotional system of claims 1 or 2, wherein said carrier of promotional material is a token having data of a promotional nature on at least one side thereof.

13. The promotional system of claim 12, wherein said token is a disk- that has an outer diameter of about 54 mm.

14. The promotional system of claim 2, wherein said bottle is made of a plastic or of glass.

15. The promotional system of claim 14, wherein said bottle is for carbonated beverages.

16. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said container has a top portion having a neck opening and a closure cap for said opening, a base portion and generally tubular sides.

17. The promotional system of claim 16, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to the closure cap of said container.

18- The promotional system of claim 16, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to the base portion of said container.

19. The promotional system of claim 16, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to the sides of said container.

20. The promotional system of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the maximum size of said carrier of promotional material is approximately no greater than the minimum size of the projection of said container onto the carrier.

21. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to said container by means of an adhesive .

22. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 20, .wherein said carrier of promotional material ^• is releasably affixed to said container by means of a break-away coating or wrapping.

23. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to said container by means of releasable latching means integral with and on either or both of said container and said carrier.

24. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to said container by latching means that releasably retains said carrier, and releasably latches to said container.

25. The promotional system .of claim 24, wherein said latching means is separate from said container and said carrier.

26. The promotional system of claims 24 or 25, wherein said latching means is a cap that releasably retains said carrier within a recess, and releasably latches to a portion of said container.

27. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to said container by means of manually releasable closure means on said container interlinking with said carrier.

28. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to said container by other bonding means .

29. The promotional system of any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein^' said carrier of promotional material is releasably affixed to said container in a tamper-proof manner.

30. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein said carrier is retained at least partly within a recess in said container.

31. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein said carrier is retained against a surface of said container.

32. A promotional system substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings and/or examples.

33. A method of promotion of a product, which comprises allowing a consumer to select a promotional system, said promotional system comprising a container having a carrier of promotional information releasably affixed thereto, and said product is contained within said container, and said promotional information appeals to said consumer; whereby said consumer purchases said promotional system, and releases said carrier from said container to obtain said promotional information,

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said promotional system is as defined i any one of claims 2 to 32„

35. A method of promotion of a product, substantially as herein described with reference to any one. or more of the drawings and /or examples.

36. A promotional article comprising a cup that releasably retains a carrier of promotional information within a recess therein, and releasably latches to a portion of a container. '

37. The promotional article of claim 36, wherein said carrier of promotional information is a compact disk or a token having data of a promotional nature on at least one side thereof.

38. The promotional article of claim 36 or 37, wherein, said carrier of promotional information is a disk with an outer diameter of about 54 mm.

39. The promotional article of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein said container is a bottle.

40. The promotional article of claim 39, wherein said cup releasably latches to. the base portion of a bottle.

41. A promotional article comprising a cup that releasably retains a carrier of promotional information within a recess therein, and releasably latches to a portion of a container, said article substantially as herein described with .reference to any one of the drawings.

42. A promotional device combining a compact disc holder function and a compact disc adaptor function; said device adapted to releasably attach a compact disc to a container; said device further adapted for conversion from said holder function to said adaptor function by rotation of a plurality of radially disposed elements from a first coplanar radially inward direction to a second coplanar radially outward direction.

43. The device of claim 42 wherein said holder function provides for the releasable attachment of a non- standard diameter compact disc to a container.

44. The device of clai _.43 wherein said adaptor function provides for the playing of said non-standard .compact disc in a tray type compact disc player.

45. The device of any one of claims 43 to 44 wherein said non-standard compact disc has a diameter smaller than a standard 120 millimeter disc.

46. The device of any one of claims 44 to 45 wherein said container is a metal beverage container, of circular section provided with an upper sealing rim.

47. The device of any one of claims 44 to 46 wherein said container is a jar having a circular lid.

48. The device of any one of claims 44 to 47 wherein said container is bottle having a cylindrical base portion.

49. The device of any one of claims 44 to 48 wherein said container is any metal can of circular section having at least an upper sealing rim.

50. The device of any one of claims 44 to 49 wherein said non-standard compact disc is of a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of said container.

51. The device of any one of claims 47 to 50 wherein said device is provided with a downwardly depending annular skirt; said skirt having an internal diameter aidapted to releasably engage with said sealing rim as . sliding fit.

52. The device of claim 51 wherein said skirt has an internal surface provided with at least one annular inwardly projecting ridge adapted to releasably engage with said sealing rim as a snap fit.

53. The device of claim 51 wherein said internal diameter of said skirt is adapted to releasably engage with said circular lid as a press fit..

54. The device of claim 51 wherein said internal diameter and surface of said skirt is adapted to releasably engage with said cylindrical base portion of said bottle.

55. The device of any one of claims 51 to 54 wherein said skirt is detaσhably connected along its upper internal edge to a plurality of leaf elements extending radially inward from said upper internal edge.

56. The device of claim 55 wherein said leaf elements are of approximately trapezoidal shape so as to have side edges tapering radially inwards from a concavely curving base edge.

57. The device of claim 55 or 56 wherein said leaf elements are detaσhably connected to a central hub.

58. The device of claim 16 wherein said central hub is provided with a downwardly projecting boss adapted to the retention of said non-standard compact disc by engaging a standard diameter central aperture in said non-standard compact disc as a press fit.

59. The device of claim 58 wherein said non-standard compact disc is retained within said device when said device is functioning as a compact disc holder; said compact disc outer diameter lying inside said internal diameter, of said annular skirt; a surface of said compact disc lying adjacent to the underside of said leaf elements; said compact disc standard diameter central aperture engaging said downwardly projecting boss of said central hub.

60. The device of any one of claims 55 to 59 wherein . connections of said leaf elements to said skirt and connections of said leaf elements to said central hub are by means of thin breakable elements.

61. The device of any one of claims 55 to 60 wherein said leaf elements are joined together at corners adjacent to said upper internal edge of said skirt by flexible elements.

62. The device of any one of claims 56 to 61 wherein said concavely curving base edge adjoins said upper internal edge of said skirt; said concavely curving base edge forming an arc having a radius equal to the radius of said non-standard ' compact disc.

63. The device of any one of claims 56 to 62^' wherein said concavely curving base edge of each leaf element of said plurality of leaf elements is provided with at least a pair of tabs extending outwardly from the upper surface of said leaf element and at least one ledge extending outwardly from the lower surface of said leaf element; said at least a pair of tabs and said at least one ledge spaced apart so as to nest the edge of a standard thickness compact disc.

64. The device of any preceding claim wherein said device is converted from said compact disc holder function to said compact disc adaptor function by steps including: (f) breaking said thin breakable elements joining said leaf elements to said skirt so as to remove said skirt from said device, (g) removing said non-standard compact disc from said boss of said central hub, (h) breaking said thin breakable elements joining said hub to said leaf elements so as to remove said hub from said device, (i) rotating each said leaf element out of the common plane of said leaf elements about said flexible elements from said first coplanar radially inward direction to said second coplanar radially outward direction, (j) inserting the edge of said non-standard compact disc to nest between each of said at least a pair of tabs and said at least one ledge of each of said leaf elements so as to form a coplanar assembly of said non-standard compact disc with said leaf elements.

65. A method for the presentation of promotional material with containers wherein said method includes the provision attachment means; said attachment means convertible to adaptor means; said method including the steps of: (d) Preparation of promotional material in the form of non-standard compact discs, (e) Insertion of said non-standard compact discs into said attachment means, (f) Attaching said attachment means to said containers .

66. The method of claim 65 wherein said adaptor means enable the playing of said non-standard compact disc in a tray type compact disc player.

67. The method of claim 65 or 66 wherein said non-standard compact disc is smaller than a standard 120 millimeter compact disc.

68. The method of any one of claims 65 to 67 wherein said attachment means are converted to adaptor means by the steps of: ^• (e) Removing said attachment means from said container, (f) Removing said non-standard compact dis'c from said attachment means, (g) Modifying said attachment means to form said adaptor means, (h) Attaching said adaptor means to said non-standard compact disc.

69. A closure lid for a beverage container; said closure lid provided with central support and retention means for a promotional digital data storage disc; said closure lid formed as a single plastic item.

70. The closure lid of claim 59 wherein said beverage container is a cup-shaped disposable drink container having a circular upper edge.

7.1. The closure lid of claim 69 or 70 wherein said central support means is in the form of a central raised circular portion; said portion provided with a diameter at the base of said portion slightly smaller than the central aperture of said storage disc and a diameter at the top of said portion slightly larger than said central aperture.

72. The closure lid of any one of claims 69 to 71 wherein said beverage container is formed of a plastic material .

73. The closure lid of any one of claims 69 to 71 wherein said beverage container is formed of paper.

74. The closure lid of any one of claims 69 to 73 wherein said closure lid is comprised of a circular central portion provided at its periphery with an annular inverted "U" shaped rim.

75. The closure lid of claim 74 wherein said circular central portion includes a circular raised central portion; the diameter of said raised central portion approximately equal to the diameter of said central aperture of said digital data storage disc.

76. The closure lid of claim 73 or 74 wherein said rim is adapted to seat over said circular upper edge of said beverage container; said rim and said circular central portion so dimensioned as to provide a. friction fit between the internal surface of said beverage container and the internal annular surface of said rim.

77. The closure lid of claim 74 or 75 wherein said raised central portion extends upwardly from said circular central portion to project above the upper surface of a digital data storage disc when said disc is r.esting on said circular central portion.

78. The closure lid of any one of claims 74 to 77 wherein the diameter of a lower portion of said circular raised central portion is slightly smaller than said diameter of said central apertur .

79. The closure lid of claim 77 or 78 wherein the diameter of said circular raised central portion projecting above said upper surface of a digital data storage disc resting on said circular central portion is slightly larger than said central aperture .

80. The closure lid of any one of claims 77 to 79 wherein said circular raised central portion is provided with slits arranged to form a cross centered on said raised central portion and adapted for piercing by a drinking straw.

81. The closure lid of any one of claims 74 to 80 wherein an annular portion of said circular central portion adjacent said annular rim forms a depressed trough such that the periphery of said digital data storage disc overlies said depressed trough.

82. The closure lid of any one of claims 69 to 81 wherein said digital data storage disc has a diameter of approximately 80 millimetres.

83. The closure lid of any one of claims 69 to 82 wherein said digital data storage disc is provided with a circular transparent protective sleeve.

84. A method for the provision to a consumer of a promotional digital data storage disc with a disposable beverage container; said method including providing a closure lid with said beverage cup; said closure lid formed as a single plastic item adapted to support and retain said digital data storage disc.

85. The method of claim 84 wherein said beverage container is a cup-shaped disposable drink container having a circular upper edge.

86. The method of claim 85 wherein said closure lid is comprised of a circular central portion provided with a rim adapted to seat over said circular upper edge of said beverage container and a raised central portion adapted to retain said data storage disc.

A method for the presentation of promotional material with containers as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.