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 ).

1 . A container comprising at least one disposable cleaning implement, wherein a portion of a cleaning surface of the cleaning implement is presented to consumers to be touched while the cleaning implement is in the container.  
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , comprising two cleaning implements, wherein the cleaning implements are arranged in an opposing manner.  
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the cleaning implements are arranged such that a non-cleaning surface of one cleaning implement and the cleaning surface of another cleaning implement are presented to consumers.  
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container is a plastic box, cardboard box, chipboard box, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container has an opening formed therein.  
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the cleaning implements is arranged such that a consumer is able to touch a cleaning surface of the at least one cleaning implement through the opening.  
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises instructions for using the cleaning implement comprising the steps of: 
 i) sliding the cleaning implement side-to-side; and    ii) disposing the cleaning implement when the implement appears at least one of: full and to no longer pick up debris.    
   
   
       8 . A container for packaging a cleaning implement, the container comprising: 
 an integral packaging member of thin-walled material having a top section, bottom section, front section, back section and first and second side sections defining a cavity;    wherein the packaging member has an opening formed therein; and wherein the opening is defined by generally arcuate lines extending from the top section, through the front section and into at least one of the first side section and the second side section.    
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the thin-walled material is chipboard.  
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the container includes text to convey that a cleaning implement lifts and traps at least one of: pet hair, lint, dust and allergens, from upholstered furniture.  
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 8 , further comprising graphics to convey that a roller cleaning surface is lightly colored for showing debris retained by the cleaning surface.  
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 8 , further comprising a cleaning implement within the cavity; and wherein the cleaning implement comprises a housing and at least one fabric covered roller.  
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the cleaning implement is disposable.  
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the cleaning implement further comprises a printed pattern, a graphic, a logo, branding information, or any combination thereof.  
   
   
       15 . A method of promoting the sale of a disposable cleaning implement comprising at least one fabric covered roller and a housing, the method comprising the steps of: 
 a) displaying a container comprising at least a first and second cleaning implement; 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.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 constructing the container from plastic, cardboard, chipboard, or a combination thereof.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 constructing the container to be at least partially transparent.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 constructing the container to have at least one opening defined by two generally arcuate cuts meeting at both ends of the opening.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising: 
 presenting usage instructions for the disposable cleaning implement.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising presenting instructions that comprise the steps of: 
 i) sliding the cleaning implement side-to-side; and    ii) disposing the cleaning implement when the implement appears at least one of: full or to no longer pick up debris.