Dual-use container and methods of reusing same

Abstract

A dual-use product package includes a non-food product, a non-rigid base defining a cavity holding the non-food product, a cover configured to close the cavity, and a closure member fastening the cover to the base. The base is adapted to contain food products once the non-food product is removed from the cavity. Methods of reusing the dual use container include packing a non-food item in the cavity, presenting the dual-use container in combination with the non-food item packed therein at a point of purchase, and configuring the dual use container to be reusable such that a purchaser of the dual use container in combination with the non-food item is able to remove the non-food item without damaging or destroying the dual-use container and repack the dual-use container with a food item. The method may be tailored to appeal to a wide variety of customers and to promote a wide variety of goods and services.

1 . A dual-use product package comprising: 
 a non-food product;    a non-rigid base defining a cavity holding said non-food product, said non-rigid base being adapted to contain food products once the non-food product is removed from said cavity;    a cover configured to close said cavity; and    a closure member fastening said cover to said base.    
   
   
       2 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a handle attached to said base.  
   
   
       3 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said base is substantially rectangular.  
   
   
       4 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said closure member comprises a zipper mechanism.  
   
   
       5 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said closure member is located at or near a top edge of said base.  
   
   
       6 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said cover is integrally formed with said base, said cover folded over said base in a closed position.  
   
   
       7 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said non-food product constitutes footwear held in said cavity.  
   
   
       8 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said cavity is adapted for use as a lunchbox.  
   
   
       9 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said package includes an expandable section configured to hold either said non-food product in said cavity or a non-food product different from said non-food product in said cavity.  
   
   
       10 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the food products includes at least one of an edible food, a beverage, a beverage container, an eating utensil, a piece of flatware, a cooling block, and a napkin.  
   
   
       11 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said package is convertible into a duffel bag.  
   
   
       12 . A product package in accordance with  claim 1  wherein at least one of said base and said cover is insulated wherein said package may function as a cooler.  
   
   
       13 . A footwear package comprising: 
 a support surface;    a plurality of soft side walls extending from said support surface and defining a cavity for holding footwear above said support surface, wherein at least one of said side walls comprises a flap folded over the remaining side walls to define a cover over said cavity; and    a zipper selectively coupling and uncoupling said flap and said remaining side walls.    
   
   
       14 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  further comprising a handle.  
   
   
       15 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  wherein at least one of said support surface and said side walls comprises a soft material and a stiffening element.  
   
   
       16 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said zipper mechanism is located at or near a top edge of said base.  
   
   
       17 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  further comprising footwear in said cavity.  
   
   
       18 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said cavity is packed with footwear at a point of purchase.  
   
   
       19 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said cavity is packed with footwear at a first point in time and packed with lunch items at a second point in time.  
   
   
       20 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  further comprising an expandable section.  
   
   
       21 . A footwear package in accordance with  claim 13  further wherein said base is convertible into a duffel bag.  
   
   
       22 . A method of reusing a footwear package having a base defining a cavity, footwear in the cavity, a cover enclosing the footwear in the cavity, and a zipper engaging the base to the cover, the method comprising: 
 unpacking the footwear from the package; and    packing at least one lunch item in the package.    
   
   
       23 . A method of reusing a footwear package comprising; 
 packaging footwear in a lunchbox.    
   
   
       24 . A method for selling a non-food item in combination with a dual-use container, said method comprising: 
 providing a dual-use container having a storage cavity configured to hold separately a non-food item and a food item one at a time;    packing a non-food item in the cavity;    presenting the dual-use container in combination with the non-food item packed therein at a point of purchase; and    configuring the dual use container to be reusable such that a purchaser of the dual use container in combination with the non-food item is able to remove the non-food item without damaging or destroying the dual-use container and repack the dual-use container with a food item.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the dual container is formed with a non-rigid base.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24  wherein said packing includes closing a zipper connecting a cover and a base of the dual-use container.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein said non-food item constitutes at least one of clothing, footwear, a toy-related item, a sports-related item, a book, a magazine, a game-related item, an entertainment-related item, and an infant care-related item.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the food-item constitutes one of an edible food item, a beverage, a beverage holder, utensils, plates, flatware, napkins, condiments, a food warmer and a cooling block,  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 29  further comprising providing indicia on the dual use container, said indicia identifying at least one of a source of a non-food item and a food item.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising providing branding indicia on the dual use container identifying the source of a non-food item.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising providing branding indicia on the dual use container identifying at least one of a sports team, a cartoon character, entertainment event, entertainment figure and movie, wherein said branding indicia is not indicative of a source of the non-food item.