WO2005066923A1 - Integrated promotional system - Google Patents

Integrated promotional system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005066923A1
WO2005066923A1 PCT/AU2005/000015 AU2005000015W WO2005066923A1 WO 2005066923 A1 WO2005066923 A1 WO 2005066923A1 AU 2005000015 W AU2005000015 W AU 2005000015W WO 2005066923 A1 WO2005066923 A1 WO 2005066923A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data storage
electrical contacts
promotional
promotional system
array
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2005/000015
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Derek Grul
Original Assignee
Promotional Notions Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2004900094A external-priority patent/AU2004900094A0/en
Application filed by Promotional Notions Pty Ltd filed Critical Promotional Notions Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2005066923A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005066923A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/0772—Physical layout of the record carrier
    • G06K19/07732—Physical layout of the record carrier the record carrier having a housing or construction similar to well-known portable memory devices, such as SD cards, USB or memory sticks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
    • G06K19/07749—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
    • G06K19/07758—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F23/00—Advertising on or in specific articles, e.g. ashtrays, letter-boxes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the provision of promotional material in associated with packaging and, more -particularly with the provision of such material in' electronically retrievable form.
  • BACKGROUND Promoting products is an important function in t e 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 .
  • 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 giveaway item of a promotional nature with a container or packaging of a product that a consumer consequently desires to purchase.
  • a promotional system for the dissemination of data to purchasers of packaged products wherein said system comprises a data storage means and a connection adaptor arranged to transfer data from said data storage card to a data processing means.
  • said data storage means comprises a solid state data storage device and an array of electrical contacts.
  • said data storage device is in the form of a flash-memory chip.
  • said array of electrical contacts includes two' electrical contacts for the supply of power to said solid state storage means and two electrical contacts for the transfer of said data.
  • said data storage means further comprises a thin substrate; said substrate providing support for said solid state data storage means and said array of electrical contacts.
  • said thin substrate is sufficiently flexible to conform to the curved surface of a container.
  • said array of electrical contacts is arranged at an edge of said thin substrate.
  • At least one surface of said thin substrate is adapted to accept printed indicia.
  • said data storage card is adapted to function as a label releasably attached to the surface of packaging.
  • Preferably said data storage card is adapted for insertion into a package.
  • said data storage means is incorporated in a closure cap for a container; said closure cap comprising a disc upper portion and a depending skirt portion.
  • said solid state data ' storage- means is supported with in said disc upper portion.
  • said ar-ray of electrical contacts is supported in said depending skirt portion.
  • said thin substrate is in the form of a disc adapted to be releasably retained within a closure cap for a container.
  • said connection adaptor is comprised of a first portion provided with electrical contacts for electrical communication with said array of electrical contacts and a second portion conforming dimensionally and functionally to a standard -USB plug.
  • said first portion is in the form of sprun alligator clip wherein the jaws of said clip are adapted to close over said array of electrical contacts-
  • At least one jaw of said clip is provided with said electrical contacts-
  • said first portion is comprised of fixed upper and lower jaw elements adapted for insertion therebetween of said array of electrical contacts.
  • At least one of said jaw elements is provided with flexible electrical contacts adapted for electrical communication with said array of electrical contacts.
  • connection adaptor device adapted to the transfer of said electronic data from said data storage means to a data processing device.
  • Preferably 'said data storage means comprises a flash memory chip and an array of electrical contacts supported on a thin substrate.
  • said thin substrate is adapted for relea ⁇ able attachment to a curved container surface.
  • said thin substrate is incorporated in a closure cap for a container.
  • said thin substrate is adapted to receive printed indicia.
  • said thin substrate fulfils the function of a label for said packaged product .
  • said printed indicia forms a collectable representation; said collectable representation comprising a member of a set of collectable representations.
  • connection adaptor includes a standard USB plug adapted for connection to a data processing device.
  • promotional material includes information related to packaged product.
  • said promotional material includes games playable on said data processing device.
  • said promotional material includes information related to said collectable representation.
  • said promotional material includes data for interaction of said promotional material with an internet web site,
  • interaction includes conferring of a prize by said internet web site.
  • said interaction includes playing of games on said internet web site.
  • Figure 1 is a representation of a data storage card according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of data storage cards of figure 1 applied to cylindrical containers.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective, view of the data storage card of figure 1 attached to the outer surface of a carton.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a closure cap for a bottle or jar incorporating a flash memory EPROM chip.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a data storage- card adapted for insertion into a closure cap for a bottle or jar.
  • Figures 6A and ⁇ B are perspective views of a first preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor according to the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective' view of a second preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor according to the invention.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a further preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor.
  • the promotional system provides a data storage medium for the inclusion with, or the attachment to, the packaging or containers of goods, and a separate adaptor device for the electronic transfer of the stored data to a data processing device.
  • a data storage medium is provided in the form of a solid state storage device such as .commonly referred to in the art as a flash memory card or smart card-
  • a flash memory card is the Smart Media card as first developed by Toshiba.
  • Cards of this type are comprised of a supporting substrate to which is bonded a flash memory chip, a plane electrode and bonding wires.
  • the data storage card 10 is sufficiently flexible to conform to the curvature of a cylindrical or curved container such as a food or beverage can 14 or bottle 15 for example.
  • the substrate II may, in at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, be adapted for the printing thereon of indicia, or be laminated with a paper or other suitable material to accept such printed indicia.
  • the card may serve the dual purpose of firstly, a label for a container such as a beverage can 14 or bottle 15 and secondly, a data storage device.
  • the data storage card 10 is then releasably held to the surface of the container by any suitable means, such as for example by a suitable adhesive or by a transparent film- sleeve (not shown) .
  • the data storage card 10 as described may be releasably attached to the outside of a carton 20 as shown in figure 3, or be included within a carton. If the data storage card is provided within the carton, such as for example in a packet of breakfast cereal, indicia printed on the outside of the carton will alert a potential buyer of the product of the data storage card's inclusion
  • a closure cap 21 of a bottle or jar 22 is adapted to incorporate a flash memory chip 12.
  • the substrate of the data storage card is an integral part of the moulded cap 21.
  • the chip 12 is supported in the flat circular portion 23 of the cap 21 with the array of four contacts 13 disposed on the skirt 24 of the cap 21.
  • portion of the skirt 24 of the cap 21 is a flat surface 25 so that the array of four contacts 13 lies in a common plane.
  • promotional information relating to the data retained in the chip 12 may be printed on the circular upper surface 23 of the cap 21 ' where this is sufficiently large, such as for example the cap of a condiment jar, or alternatively on a portion of the label affixed to the body of the bottle or jar.
  • the data storage card 10 is in the form of a disc 25 adapted to be clipped to the inside 26 of a circular container lid 27.
  • the array of four contacts 13 for power and data transfer is disposed at the periphery of the disc 25.
  • data retained on the card may be extracted by means of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection adaptor.
  • USB connections are commonly used on computers to attach any of a wide range of peripheral devices to - a USB socket or port on the computer.
  • USB sockets are provided with four electrical contacts, two of which make power available to the connected peripheral device and two which provide for data transfer between the connected device and the computer.
  • a data storage card connection portion 31 is provided in the form of a sprung alligator type clip in which one of the jaws 32 of the clip is provided with an array of four contacts 33 adapted to mate with the array of four contacts of any of the data storage -cards or closure cap as described above.
  • the rear portion 34 of connection adaptor 30 is in the form- of a standard USB plug adapted for insertion into a USB socket.
  • Figure 6B shows the connection • adaptor 30 attached to a data storage card 10 so that the array of four contacts 33 of the clip jaw 32 are in electrical contact with the array of four contacts of the card 10.
  • connection adaptor 40 in a second preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor 40 as shown in figure 7, the front portion 41 is. provided with fixed upper and lower jaws 42 and 43 and with the rear portio 44 in the form of a standard USB plug.
  • the- array of four contacts 45 arranged on the inside surface of one of the j ws, (lower jaw 43 in figure 7) .
  • the individual contacts 46 are of flexible conductive metal arranged to bow • upwardly from the supporting surface of the jaw 43 and able to flex when a data storage card is inserted between the jaws so as to ensure a secure electrical connection between the array of four contacts of the data storage card and the contacts of the connection adaptor.
  • a first card connection portion 51 is as described for either of the above embodiments, but in this further preferred embodiment, the front clip portion 52 is attached to a cable terminal body 53 at a first end of a power and data carrier cable 54.
  • a second end of the power and data carrier cable 54 is provided with a standard USB plug 55 adapted for insertion into a USB socket.
  • a connection adaptor may be made available to users for example by inviting the user, to contact a distributor of the connection adaptors who then sends an adaptor to a nominated address.
  • connection adaptors may be made available from participating retail outlets through which the packaged goods with data storage cards or closure caps are sold.
  • the data storage card or closure cap is detached or removed from the package or container with which it is supplied and a connection adaptor attached to the array of four contacts.
  • the USB plug may then be inserted into a computer USB port to access the data retained in the data storage card chip.
  • the data so accessed may include any of a range or combination of advertising, promotional, educational or entertainment material.
  • the data could include detailed product information such as nutritional value, serving suggestions, recipes and even demonstration MP4 video clips as well as advertising for associated products.
  • the data may include games o access via the internet to on-line competitions and games.
  • a selection of data storage cards for distribution with a particular product range may for example be programmed with a " "key” which gives access to the awarding of an on-line prize and allows for the prize to be both viewed and claimed by the entry of the user's particulars.
  • the accessed data may include a course of instruction for a particular discipline or the playing of games.

Abstract

A promotional system for the dissemination of data to purchasers of packaged products wherein said system comprises a data storage means and a connection adaptor arranged to transfer data from said data storage means to a data processing means.

Description

INTEGRATED PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM
The present invention relates to the provision of promotional material in associated with packaging and, more -particularly with the provision of such material in' electronically retrievable form.
BACKGROUND Promoting products is an important function in t e 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 giveaway item of a promotional nature with a container or packaging of a product that a consumer consequently desires to purchase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Accordingly, in one broad form of the invention, there is provided a promotional system for the dissemination of data to purchasers of packaged products wherein said system comprises a data storage means and a connection adaptor arranged to transfer data from said data storage card to a data processing means.
Preferably said data storage means comprises a solid state data storage device and an array of electrical contacts.
Preferably said data storage device is in the form of a flash-memory chip.
Preferably said array of electrical contacts includes two' electrical contacts for the supply of power to said solid state storage means and two electrical contacts for the transfer of said data.
Preferably said data storage means further comprises a thin substrate; said substrate providing support for said solid state data storage means and said array of electrical contacts.
Preferably said thin substrate is sufficiently flexible to conform to the curved surface of a container. Preferably said array of electrical contacts is arranged at an edge of said thin substrate.
Preferably at least one surface of said thin substrate is adapted to accept printed indicia.
Preferably said data storage card is adapted to function as a label releasably attached to the surface of packaging.
• Preferably said data storage card is adapted for insertion into a package.
Preferably said data storage means is incorporated in a closure cap for a container; said closure cap comprising a disc upper portion and a depending skirt portion.
Preferably said solid state data' storage- means is supported with in said disc upper portion.
Preferably said ar-ray of electrical contacts is supported in said depending skirt portion. Preferably said thin substrate is in the form of a disc adapted to be releasably retained within a closure cap for a container. Preferably said connection adaptor is comprised of a first portion provided with electrical contacts for electrical communication with said array of electrical contacts and a second portion conforming dimensionally and functionally to a standard -USB plug.
Preferably said first portion is in the form of sprun alligator clip wherein the jaws of said clip are adapted to close over said array of electrical contacts-
Preferably at least one jaw of said clip is provided with said electrical contacts-
Preferably said first portion is comprised of fixed upper and lower jaw elements adapted for insertion therebetween of said array of electrical contacts.
Preferably at least one of said jaw elements is provided with flexible electrical contacts adapted for electrical communication with said array of electrical contacts.
Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method for the provision of promotional material to a purchaser of a packaged product; said method including the steps of:
(a) Writing said promotional material in the form of electronic data onto a data storage means, (b) Providing said data storage means with said packaged product,
(c) Providing a connection adaptor device adapted to the transfer of said electronic data from said data storage means to a data processing device.
Preferably 'said data storage means comprises a flash memory chip and an array of electrical contacts supported on a thin substrate.
Preferably said thin substrate is adapted for relea≤able attachment to a curved container surface.
Preferably said thin substrate is incorporated in a closure cap for a container.
Preferably said thin substrate is adapted to receive printed indicia.
Preferably said thin substrate fulfils the function of a label for said packaged product .
Preferably said printed indicia forms a collectable representation; said collectable representation comprising a member of a set of collectable representations.
Preferably said connection adaptor includes a standard USB plug adapted for connection to a data processing device. Preferably said promotional material includes information related to packaged product.
Preferably said promotional material includes games playable on said data processing device.
Preferably said promotional material includes information related to said collectable representation.
Preferably said promotional material includes data for interaction of said promotional material with an internet web site,
Preferably said, interaction includes conferring of a prize by said internet web site.
Preferably said interaction includes playing of games on said internet web site.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a representation of a data storage card according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of data storage cards of figure 1 applied to cylindrical containers. Figure 3 is a perspective, view of the data storage card of figure 1 attached to the outer surface of a carton. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a closure cap for a bottle or jar incorporating a flash memory EPROM chip. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a data storage- card adapted for insertion into a closure cap for a bottle or jar. Figures 6A and βB are perspective views of a first preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor according to the invention. Figure 7 is a perspective' view of a second preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor according to the invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a further preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a broad form of the invention the promotional system provides a data storage medium for the inclusion with, or the attachment to, the packaging or containers of goods, and a separate adaptor device for the electronic transfer of the stored data to a data processing device. In a first preferred embodiment of the invention With reference to figure 1, a data storage medium is provided in the form of a solid state storage device such as .commonly referred to in the art as a flash memory card or smart card- An example of a flash memory card is the Smart Media card as first developed by Toshiba. Cards of this type are comprised of a supporting substrate to which is bonded a flash memory chip, a plane electrode and bonding wires. In this first preferred embodiment of the invention smart card technology is used to produce a thin relatively flexible data storage card 10 comprises a substrate 11 and incorporates a flash memory chip 12 in the form of an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or similar, and an exposed or exposable array of four contacts 13 arranged along one edge of the card 10. Of the four contacts, two are adapted to provide power to the chip and two to carry data . In at least one preferred embodiment as shown in figure 2, the data storage card 10 is sufficiently flexible to conform to the curvature of a cylindrical or curved container such as a food or beverage can 14 or bottle 15 for example. The substrate II may, in at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, be adapted for the printing thereon of indicia, or be laminated with a paper or other suitable material to accept such printed indicia. In this form the card may serve the dual purpose of firstly, a label for a container such as a beverage can 14 or bottle 15 and secondly, a data storage device. The data storage card 10 is then releasably held to the surface of the container by any suitable means, such as for example by a suitable adhesive or by a transparent film- sleeve (not shown) . Optionally, the data storage card 10 as described, may be releasably attached to the outside of a carton 20 as shown in figure 3, or be included within a carton. If the data storage card is provided within the carton, such as for example in a packet of breakfast cereal, indicia printed on the outside of the carton will alert a potential buyer of the product of the data storage card's inclusion
•and its benefits .- These cards may be more rigid than those described for the previous preferred embodiment and may be presented as for example trading cards which are provided with a series of collectable indicia. Such indicia may for example include representations of well known characters from film, computer games or books and the data then programmed into the flash memory chip may be some information related to the representation or even an MP4 video clip. Such data storage cards may then be swapped amongst friends so as to build up a desired particular collection. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in figure 4, a closure cap 21 of a bottle or jar 22 is adapted to incorporate a flash memory chip 12. In this embodiment the substrate of the data storage card is an integral part of the moulded cap 21. Preferably the chip 12 is supported in the flat circular portion 23 of the cap 21 with the array of four contacts 13 disposed on the skirt 24 of the cap 21. Preferable that portion of the skirt 24 of the cap 21 is a flat surface 25 so that the array of four contacts 13 lies in a common plane. In this embodiment promotional information relating to the data retained in the chip 12 may be printed on the circular upper surface 23 of the cap 21' where this is sufficiently large, such as for example the cap of a condiment jar, or alternatively on a portion of the label affixed to the body of the bottle or jar. In yet a further preferred embodiment of. the invention as shown in figure 5, the data storage card 10 is in the form of a disc 25 adapted to be clipped to the inside 26 of a circular container lid 27. In this form,, the array of four contacts 13 for power and data transfer is disposed at the periphery of the disc 25. For any of the above described embodiments of a data storage card, data retained on the card may be extracted by means of a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection adaptor. USB connections are commonly used on computers to attach any of a wide range of peripheral devices to - a USB socket or port on the computer. USB sockets are provided with four electrical contacts, two of which make power available to the connected peripheral device and two which provide for data transfer between the connected device and the computer. In a first preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor 30 as shown in figures 6A and 6B, a data storage card connection portion 31 is provided in the form of a sprung alligator type clip in which one of the jaws 32 of the clip is provided with an array of four contacts 33 adapted to mate with the array of four contacts of any of the data storage -cards or closure cap as described above. The rear portion 34 of connection adaptor 30 is in the form- of a standard USB plug adapted for insertion into a USB socket. Figure 6B shows the connection • adaptor 30 attached to a data storage card 10 so that the array of four contacts 33 of the clip jaw 32 are in electrical contact with the array of four contacts of the card 10. In a second preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor 40 as shown in figure 7, the front portion 41 is. provided with fixed upper and lower jaws 42 and 43 and with the rear portio 44 in the form of a standard USB plug. In this second preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor the- array of four contacts 45 arranged on the inside surface of one of the j ws, (lower jaw 43 in figure 7) . Preferably, the individual contacts 46 are of flexible conductive metal arranged to bow • upwardly from the supporting surface of the jaw 43 and able to flex when a data storage card is inserted between the jaws so as to ensure a secure electrical connection between the array of four contacts of the data storage card and the contacts of the connection adaptor. In yet a further preferred embodiment of a connection adaptor 50 as shown in figure 8, a first card connection portion 51 is as described for either of the above embodiments, but in this further preferred embodiment, the front clip portion 52 is attached to a cable terminal body 53 at a first end of a power and data carrier cable 54. A second end of the power and data carrier cable 54 is provided with a standard USB plug 55 adapted for insertion into a USB socket. To access any of the information held by a data storage card or closure cap, a user must have a connection adaptor. Connection adaptors may be made available to users for example by inviting the user, to contact a distributor of the connection adaptors who then sends an adaptor to a nominated address. Alternatively, connection adaptors may be made available from participating retail outlets through which the packaged goods with data storage cards or closure caps are sold. In use, the data storage card or closure cap is detached or removed from the package or container with which it is supplied and a connection adaptor attached to the array of four contacts. The USB plug may then be inserted into a computer USB port to access the data retained in the data storage card chip. The data so accessed may include any of a range or combination of advertising, promotional, educational or entertainment material. Thus for example, the data could include detailed product information such as nutritional value, serving suggestions, recipes and even demonstration MP4 video clips as well as advertising for associated products. As further examples, the data may include games o access via the internet to on-line competitions and games. A selection of data storage cards for distribution with a particular product range may for example be programmed with a ""key" which gives access to the awarding of an on-line prize and allows for the prize to be both viewed and claimed by the entry of the user's particulars. As yet further examples, the accessed data may include a course of instruction for a particular discipline or the playing of games. Clearly the distribution of data storage cards or closure caps as described with packaged goods provides a powerful vehicle for the dissemination of consumer useful and desirable information and potentially acts as a strong inducement to the urchase of the items with which such cards or closures are provided. The above describes only some embodiments • of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in- the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A promotional system for the dissemination of data to purchasers of packaged products wherein said system comprises a data storage means and a connection adaptor arranged to transfer data from said data storage means to a data processing means.
' 2. ■ The promotional system of claim 1 wherein said data storage means comprises a solid state data storage device and an array of electrical contacts.
3. The promotional system of claim 2 wherein said data storage device is in the form of a flash-memory chip-.
4. The promotional system of claim 2 wherein said array of electrical contacts includes two electrical contacts for the supply of power to said solid state storage means and two electrical contacts for the transfer of said data.
5. The promotional system of claim 1 or 2 wherein said data storage' means further comprises a thin substrate; said substrate providing support for said solid state data storage means and said array of electrical contacts.
6. The promotional system of claim 5 wherein sa±d thin substrate is sufficiently flexible to conform to the curved surface of a container.
7. The promotional system of claim 5 or 6' wherein said array of electrical contacts is arranged at an edge of said thin substrate.
8. The promotional system of any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein at least one surface of said thin substrate is adapted to accept printed indicia.
9. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said data storage means is adapted to function as a label releasably attached to the surface of packaging.
10. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein said data storage . means is . adapted for insertion into a package.
11. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said data storage means is incorporated in a closure cap for a container; said closure cap comprising a disc-shaped upper portion and a depending skirt portion.
12. The promotional system of claim 11 wherein said solid state data storage means is supported with in said disc-shaped upper portion.
13. The promotional system of claim 11 or 12 wherein said array of electrical contacts is supported in said depending skirt portion.
14. The promotional system of claim 5 wherein said thin substrate is in the form of a disc adapted to be releasably retained within a closure cap for a container.
15. The promotional system of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein said connection adaptor is comprised of a first portion provided with electrical contacts for electrical communication with said array of electrical contacts and a second portion conforming dimensionally and functionally to a standard USB plug.
16. The promotional system of claim 15 wherein said first portion is in the form of sprung alligator clip wherein the jaws of said clip are adapted to close over said array of electrical contacts.
17. The promotional system of claim 16 wherein at least one jaw of said clip is provided with said electrical contacts .
18. The promotional system of claim 16 or 17 wherein said first portion is comprised of fixed upper and lower jaw elements adapted for insertion therebetween of said array of electrical contacts.
19. The promotional system of claim 18 wherein at least one of said jaw elements is provided with flexible electrical contacts adapted for electrical communication with said array of electrical contacts.
20. A method for the provision of promotional material to a purchaser of a packaged product; said method including the steps of:
(a) Writing said promotional material in the form of electronic data onto a data storage means,
(b) Providing said data storage means with said packaged product,
(c) Providing a connection adaptor adapted to the transfer of said electronic data from said data storage means to a data processing device.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said data storage means comprises a flash memory chip and an array of electrical contacts supported on a thin substrate.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said thin substrate is adapted for releasable attachment to a curved container surface.
23. The .method of claim 21' wherein said thin substrate is incorporated in a closure cap for a container.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein said thin substrate is adapted to receive printed indicia.
25. The method of claim 21 wherein said thin substrate fulfils the function of a label for said packaged " product.
26. The method of claim 24 wherein said printed indicia forms a collectable representation; said collectable representation comprising a member of a set of collectable representations.
27. The method of any one of claims 20 to 26 wherein said connection adaptor includes a standard USB plug ■ adapted for connection to a data processing device.
28. The method of any one of claims 20 to 27 wherein said promotional material includes information related to packaged product.
29. The method of claim any one of claims 20 to 28 wherein said promotional material includes games playable on said data processing device.
30. The method of claim 26 wherein said promotional material includes information -related to said collectable representation.
31. The method of any one- of claims 20 to 30 wherein said promotional material includes data for interaction of said promotional material with an internet web site,
32. The method of claim 31 wherein said interaction includes conferring of a prize by said internet web site.
33. The method of claim 31 wherein said interaction includes playing of games on said internet web site.
PCT/AU2005/000015 2004-01-09 2005-01-10 Integrated promotional system WO2005066923A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2004900094A AU2004900094A0 (en) 2004-01-09 Integrated Promotional System
AU2004900094 2004-01-09
AU2004900626A AU2004900626A0 (en) 2004-02-11 Improved Integrated Promotional System
AU2004900626 2004-02-11

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WO2005066923A1 true WO2005066923A1 (en) 2005-07-21

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Cited By (13)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2333662A1 (en) * 2006-12-08 2011-06-15 Visible Computing Limited USB autorun device
US11755526B2 (en) 2006-12-08 2023-09-12 Arkeytyp Ip Limited USB device
US10783106B2 (en) 2006-12-08 2020-09-22 Arkeytyp Ip Limited USB autorun device
EP3258373A1 (en) * 2006-12-08 2017-12-20 Arkeytyp IP Limited Usb autorun device
EP2384500B1 (en) * 2009-01-02 2014-10-08 Intermed Asia Ltd. Usb device holder and printed medium support containing the same
CN102858644A (en) * 2010-04-28 2013-01-02 金伯利-克拉克环球有限公司 Variable display
GB2492507A (en) * 2010-04-28 2013-01-02 Kimberly Clark Co Variable display
GB2492507B (en) * 2010-04-28 2014-01-29 Kimberly Clark Co Variable display
RU2563223C2 (en) * 2010-04-28 2015-09-20 Кимберли-Кларк Ворлдвайд, Инк. Mobile display
US8231001B2 (en) 2010-04-28 2012-07-31 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Variable display
WO2011135469A3 (en) * 2010-04-28 2012-02-23 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Variable display
WO2011135469A2 (en) * 2010-04-28 2011-11-03 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Variable display
FR2975520A1 (en) * 2011-05-17 2012-11-23 Mohamed Harzi Device for storing and exchanging e.g. advertising message, in e.g. package, has information storage unit associating program in multilingual version and audio/video input/output unit that connects device to audio/video data transfer unit

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