Abstract
A prize package containing edible confectionery items, such as gum, candy or mints, includes a container, a plurality of edible confectionery items disposed within the container, a number provided on each edible confectionery item disposed within the container, and a reference number provided inside the container. The prize package is a winning prize package if the sum total of the numbers provided on the edible confectionery items disposed within the container matches the reference number provided inside the container. A validation code is provided inside the container for confirming that the prize package is a winning prize package. The validation code may be a bar code, a number code, a QR code, or scratch-off code. The container may be made of paper or plastic, and may have a sleeve or tube shape.
Claims
1. A prize package containing edible confectionery items comprising: a container; a plurality of edible confectionery items disposed within said container; a number provided on each of said edible confectionery items disposed within said container; a reference number provided inside said container, wherein said reference number is printed on a surface of said container, and wherein said prize package is a winning prize package if the sum total of the numbers provided on said edible confectionery items disposed within said container matches the reference number printed on said surface of said container; wherein said prize package has a plurality of confectionery item replicas provided in said container that have the same size and shape as said edible confectionery items disposed within said container, wherein each said confectionery item replica has a number printed thereon that matches one of the numbers provided on said edible confectionery items disposed within said container, wherein said prize package further comprises a prize strip disposed within said container that has said confectionery item replicas provided thereon.
2. The prize package as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a validation code provided inside said container for confirming that said prize package is a winning prize package.
3. The prize package as claimed in claim 2, wherein said validation code is selected from the group consisting of a bar code, a number code, a QR code, and a scratch-off code.
4. The prize package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said validation code is verified using a mobile App or a website.
5. The prize package as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of said reference number and said validation code are provided on said prize strip.
6. The prize package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container comprises a bottom wall having a top surface, and wherein said plurality of confectionery item replicas are provided on said top surface of said bottom wall of said container.
7. The prize package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said edible confectionery items are selected from the group consisting of gum balls, gum sticks, tablet gum, candies and mints.
8. The prize package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said numbers are printed on outer surfaces of said respective edible confectionery items.
9. The prize package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container comprises a tube having a closed end and an open end that is covered by a cap, wherein said edible confectionery items are disposed inside said tube, and wherein said reference number is provided inside said tube or on an underside of said cap.
10. The prize package as claimed in claim 9, further comprising an opaque sleeve disposed inside said tube that surrounds said edible confectionery items so that said edible confectionery items are not visible outside said container before said container is opened, wherein said reference number is printed on an inner surface of said opaque sleeve.
11. The prize package as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two or more of said numbers provided on said edible confectionery items are different from one another.
12. A prize package containing edible confectionery items comprising: a container; a plurality of edible confectionery items disposed within said container; a number printed on an outer surface of each said edible confectionery item disposed within said container; a prize strip disposed within said container, said prize strip having a plurality of confectionery item replicas provided thereon having the same size and shape as said edible confectionery items, wherein each said confectionery item replica has a number associated therewith that matches one of said numbers provided on said edible confectionery items disposed within said container; a reference number provided inside said container, wherein said prize package is a winning prize package if the sum total of said numbers provided on said edible confectionery items disposed within said container matches the reference number provided inside said container.
13. The prize package as claimed in claim 12, wherein said container is made of paper or plastic, and wherein said edible confectionery items are selected from the group consisting of gum balls, gum sticks, tablet gum, candies and mints.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
(1) FIG. 1 shows a plurality of gum balls having numbers provided thereon, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(2) FIG. 2 shows a prize package that is designed to contain the gum balls shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(3) FIG. 3 shows a prize strip that is contained within the prize package shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(4) FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the prize package of FIG. 2, with the gum balls of FIG. 1 and the prize strip of FIG. 3 disposed within the prize package.
(5) FIG. 5 shows prize packages for gum balls including elongated tubes and caps for closing the open ends of the elongated tubes.
(6) FIG. 6 shows an opaque tube or sleeve placed inside the elongated tubes shown in FIG. 5.
(7) FIG. 7 shows the opaque tube of FIG. 6 after being unfurled to reveal prize information provided on an inner surface of the tube, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(8) FIG. 8 shows caps for containers having prize information provided on the undersides of the caps, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(9) FIG. 9 shows a bar code for providing prize information on a package, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(10) FIG. 10 shows a QR code for providing prize information on a package, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(11) FIG. 11 shows a scratch-off element used for providing prize information on a package, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(12) FIG. 12 shows a blister pack for tablet gum including an outer container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
(13) FIG. 13 shows prize packages for gum sticks including a flip open top, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(14) Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a prize package 20 preferably includes a plurality of gum balls 22A-22G. Each of the gum balls 22A-22G desirably has a unique and distinct number provided thereon. Each of the gum balls 22A-22G, including the number provided thereon, is edible. In other embodiments, the gum balls may be replaced by other types of confectionery items having unique numbers provided thereon, such as candies, mints, gum sticks, and tablet gum.
(15) In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the numbers provided on the gum balls 22A-22G add up to a final total number of 235. In one embodiment, the gum balls are preferably used by individuals, such as children, to practice math and addition. In one embodiment, a prize is awarded if the total number for all of the gum balls matches a number that is provided on a package, or the winning number on the package matches the gum ball number.
(16) Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the prize package 20 preferably includes a bottom wall 24, a first side wall 26, and a second side wall 28. A first fold line 30 extends between the first side wall 26 and the bottom wall 24, and a second fold line 32 extends between the second side wall 28 and the bottom wall 24. In one embodiment, the fold lines enable the package to be folded into an elongated package having a U-shape or a triangular shape when viewed in cross-section. The top surface 34 of the bottom wall 24 preferably has gum ball replicas 36A-36G printed thereon. In one embodiment, the gum ball replicas 36A-36G desirably have the same general shape and size as the edible gum balls 22A-22G shown in FIG. 1, and each of the gum ball replicas 36A-36G has a number printed thereon that matches one of the numbers shown on the gum balls 22A-22G of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, an individual, such as a child, will match the numbers on the gum balls with the numbers on the gum ball replicas.
(17) In one embodiment, the inner surface 38 of the first side flap 26 has printed thereon a winning number, which is designated by reference number 40. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the winning number is 235. In order to win, the numbers on the gum balls are added together and a prize is won if the total number for the gum balls matches the number, designated by reference number 40, shown on the inner surface 38 of the first side flap 26. In another preferred embodiment, a consumer will win if a number on a gum ball matches the winning number. In one embodiment, the inner surface 38 of the first side flap 26 preferably includes a code area 42 that has printed thereon one or more codes including a bar code, a number code, a QR code, and/or a scratch-off code that may be used to confirm whether the package 20 is a prize winning package. In one embodiment, a user may check the code at a static display at a store to confirm if a prize has been won. In another embodiment, a user may log into a website and enter code information to determine if a prize has been won. The code area 42 provides the official indication of whether a package is a prize winning package. In one embodiment, a mobile device application may be used for redeeming a prize.
(18) Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, a prize package 20 (FIG. 2) preferably includes a prize strip 44 that is adapted to be positioned over the top surface 34 of the bottom wall 24 of the package. The top surface 46 of the prize strip 44 has gum ball replicas 36A-36G printed thereon. The gum ball replicas 36A-36G have the same general shape as the gum balls 22A-22G shown in FIG. 1, and each of the gum ball replicas 36A-36G has a number printed thereon that matches one of the numbers shown on the gum balls 22A-22G of FIG. 1.
(19) In one embodiment, the prize strip 44 is a separate piece of packaging that may be easily removed from an opened prize package 20 (FIG. 2) for confirming if a prize has been won. In one embodiment, the prize strip 44 desirably includes a code area 48 that has one or more codes provided thereon such as a bar code, a number code, a QR code, and/or a scratch-off code that may be used to confirm whether the prize package 20 is a prize winning package. As described for the FIG. 2 embodiment, a user may check the code information 48 at a static display or a website to determine if a prize has been won. In one embodiment, the code area 48 on the prize strip 44 provides the official indication of whether a package is a prize winning package.
(20) Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, a prize package 20 preferably includes a prize strip 44 positioned over a bottom wall 24 of the prize package. A plurality of gum balls 22A-22G are positioned atop the prize strip 44. The prize package 20 is then closed by folding the first and second side walls 26, 28 toward one another so that the outer edges of the respective first and second side walls 26, 28 contact one another.
(21) The prize package 20 is preferably sold to consumers in the configuration shown in FIG. 4. Before purchasing and opening the package 20, a consumer has no way of knowing if the package is a winning package. In one embodiment, after opening the package 20, a user adds up the numbers that are printed on the gum balls 22A-22G to obtain a total number. The user then compares the total number with the winning number printed on the inside of the first side wall 26 of the package. The consumer may also use the code information 42 (FIG. 2) on the first side wall 26 or the code information 48 (FIG. 3) on the prize strip 44 for confirming whether the package is a prize winning package. As noted above, the code area 42 on the first side wall 26 and/or the code area 48 on the prize strip 44 provides the official, legal indication of whether a package is a prize winning package.
(22) Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, a prize package 120 preferably includes an elongated tube 150 having a closed end 152 and an open end 154. The open end 154 of the elongated tube may be covered by a cap 156. The cap may be removed for accessing the gum balls through the open end 154 and then re-inserted into the open end 154 for again closing the package. A plurality of gum balls 122A-122H are loaded into each elongated tube 150. Each of the gum balls 122A-122H preferably has a unique, distinct number printed thereon. The underside of the cap 156 preferably has prize information provided thereon that enables a consumer to determine if the package is a prize winning package. The information on the cap may be a code, a number, a scratch-off or any other type of information that may be used to determine if a prize has been won. In FIG. 5, for simplicity, only one of the packages has numbered gum balls. It is contemplated that in at least one embodiment, all of the gum balls will have a unique number provided thereon.
(23) Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, a flexible tube 158, such as an opaque paper tube, is placed inside the elongated tube 150 so that a consumer cannot see the gum balls inside the package 120 (FIG. 5). A product name 160 may be printed on the outer surface of the opaque paper tube 158. The inner surface of the opaque paper tube 158 may contain information for determining if a package is a prize winning package. The paper tube will enable the consumers to see the numbers on the gum balls but the consumer will not be able to see the winning number until removing the cap from the elongated tube.
(24) Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the opaque paper tube 158 preferably has an inner surface 162 having gum ball replicas 136A-136H printed thereon. The gum ball replicas 136A-136H have the same general shape and size as the gum balls 122A-122H shown in FIG. 5, and each of the gum ball replicas 136A-136G has a number printed thereon that matches one of the numbers provided on the respective gum balls 122A-122H shown in FIG. 5.
(25) In one embodiment, the inner surface 162 of the opaque paper tube 158 has printed thereon a winning number, designated by reference number 140. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the winning number is 280. In order for a consumer to win, the numbers on the gum balls are added together and a prize is won if the total number for the gum balls matches the number, designated by reference number 140, shown on the inner surface 162 of the opaque tube 158. In one embodiment, the inner surface 162 of the opaque paper tube 158 preferably includes a code area 142 that has printed thereon one or more codes that may be used to confirm whether the package 120 (FIG. 5) is a prize winning package such as a bar code, a number code, a QR code, and/or a scratch-off code. In one embodiment, a user may check the code at a static display at a store or via a website to determine if a prize has been won. In another embodiment, a user may log onto a website and enter code information to determine if a prize has been won.
(26) FIG. 8 shows caps 156 having winning number information 170 printed on the undersides of the caps. The caps may be plastic or metal. The caps may be hinged to the tube or may be screw on caps. The caps 156 are only exemplary in nature in order to provide an example of how the caps 156 shown in FIG. 5 may be used for determining prize winners.
(27) As noted above, various types of codes may be utilized for determining prize winners. The codes may be provided in various locations on a package including the bottom wall 24 of a package 20 as shown in FIG. 2, a top surface 46 of a prize strip 44 as shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface 162 of an opaque paper tube 158 as shown in FIG. 7 and/or the underside of a cap 156 as shown in FIG. 8.
(28) Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the code for determining a prize winner preferably includes a bar code 242 that may be provided at one or more places on a package.
(29) Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the code for determining a prize winner preferably includes a QR code 342 that may be provided at one or more places on a package.
(30) Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the code for determining a prize winner preferably includes a scratch-off section 442 that may be provided at one or more places on a package.
(31) In one embodiment, blister packs may be used as prize packages. Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, a prize package 520 preferably includes an outer container 570 and a blister pack container 575 that is disposed within the outer container 570. The blister pack 575 desirably contains a plurality of tablet gum elements 522, each tablet gum element having a unique number provided thereon. The blister pack 575 is preferably disposed within or carried in the outer container. In one embodiment, the outer container contains the winning number or prize code. The numbers on the tablet gum are used to determine if the package is a winning package. Codes on the outer container may be used to redeem prizes or coupons. In one embodiment, the outer container 570 may open like a book.
(32) In one embodiment, each package has a point value. The point value, via scanning of a QR code, barcode or manual submission of pack identity, is uploaded to a SumGum App or a websitewww.sumgumco.com. The points are preferably loaded into a customer's account and function as loyalty points used in a loyalty program. After a certain number of points are attained from purchasing Sum Gum products, a customer may claim his or her prize. In one embodiment, prizes can be redeemed after the numbers of points collected reaches or exceeds a certain target. As more and more points are accumulated, the customer becomes eligible for better prizes such as another pack of SumGum, SumGum t-shirts, and more. After redeeming a prize via the App or an online website, the number of points in a user account will be reduced to reflect the number of points used to obtain a prize. In one embodiment, the packs may only be used once. After the points have been added to an account or used to redeem a prize, the package cannot be used by another party.
(33) Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, a prize package 620 preferably includes a package housing 652 having an open upper end and a plurality of gum sticks 622 packed therein. The prize package 620 has a flip open top 656 that is closed over the gum sticks 622 and inserted into the open upper end of the package housing 652. The inner face of the flip open top 656 preferably has a section 640 that provides a point value. The section 640 may be a scratch off section for revealing the point value. In one embodiment, a user may log into a website or use a mobile App to submit the point value to a user account for accumulating prize points and/or to redeem prizes using the prize points.
(34) The present invention disclosed herein is not intended to establish or support a vehicle or system for ongoing gambling or gaming. It is contemplated that the promotional game disclosed herein will be conducted on a limited and occasional basis as an advertising and marketing tool to promote sales of the edible confectionery items disclosed herein.
(35) While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is only limited by the scope of the claims that follow. For example, the present invention contemplates that any of the features shown in any of the embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, may be incorporated with any of the features shown in any of the other embodiments described herein, or incorporated by reference herein, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.
