Merchandising Systems, Methods of Merchandising, and Point-Of-Sale Devices Comprising Micro-Optics Technology

Abstract

A merchandising system, including: a consumer product. The merchandising system includes at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system includes indicia and/or an image that relates, or is analogous to, an attribute and/or targeted benefit of the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system further includes a micro-optic structure capable of controlling the scatter of light impinging thereon so that the micro-optic structure reflects and/or transmits light in a field of view over which at least a portion of the indicia and/or image appears brighter relative to that outside the field of view.

1 . A merchandising system, comprising: a consumer product; and at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product comprising: a) indicia and/or an image that relates or is analogous to an attribute and/or targeted benefit of the consumer product; and b) an optical waveguide for illuminating at least a portion of the indicia and/or image. 
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the optical waveguide is defined by a multi-layer polymeric film comprising a first polymer layer having an index of refraction that is higher than that of a second polymer layer. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the optical waveguide is defined by a multi-layer polymeric film comprising: a) a first planar polymer layer having an index of refraction that is higher than that of a second planar polymer layer; and b) at least one optical element; wherein light projected into the first planar polymer layer in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the first planar polymer layer is guided through the first planar polymer layer by internal reflection, and wherein the at least one optical element is capable of altering a wavefront form or energy distribution of the light. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the optical waveguide is sufficiently flexible to assume a non-planar configuration when affixed to the at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the optical waveguide comprises a first polymer layer having at least one optical element formed therein for operating on light in a predetermined manner, the first polymer layer having at least two sides and a second polymer layer having at least two sides wherein one of the at least two sides of the first polymer layer is disposed adjacent to one of the at least two sides of the second polymer layer, the first polymer layer having a first index of refraction, the second polymer layer having a second index of refraction, the first index of refraction being higher than the second index of refraction, wherein light projected into the first polymer layer in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second sides of the first polymer layer will be guided through the first polymer layer by internal reflection. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia and/or image comprises a photograph or illustration of mammalian keratinous tissue. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia and/or image comprises a photograph or illustration of at least a portion of a human face. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the consumer product is marketed for changing the appearance and/or condition of a substrate or environment to which it is applied. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of mammalian keratinous tissue, clothing, textiles, hard surfaces, architectural surfaces, furniture, appliances, vehicles, personal and/or home decor and accessories, and teeth. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the consumer product is marketed for at least one of: cleaning the substrate, brightening the substrate, whitening the substrate and lightening the substrate. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the consumer product is a beauty care product. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the beauty care product is marketed for one or more of the following: improving the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, diminishing discoloration, reducing yellow appearance of skin, reducing redness of skin, improving skin texture, improving skin tone, combating manifestations of aging, and promoting defined or luminous skin appearance. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia and/or image and the micro-optic structure are included in a label that is associated with the at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the label is removably affixed to the at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the removably affixed label can be affixed to a substrate after it is removed from the at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the consumer product comprises a skin care active. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the skin care active is selected from the group consisting of hydroquinone, arbutin, sugar amines, kojic acid, mulberry extract, licorice extract, hexamidine, n-acyl amino acid compounds, vitamin C or a derivative thereof, vitamin B3 or a derivative thereof, panthenol, vitamin E acetate, n-acetyl glucosamine, ascorbyl glucoside, retinyl propionate, organic sunscreens, metal oxide sunscreens, glycerol, petrolatum, caffeine, salicylic acid, vitamin B6, glycosyl hesperidin, phytosterol, cetyl pyridinium chloride, thiotaine, carnosine, hexanediol, tetrahydrocurcumin, peptide, dehydroacetic acid, green tea extract, and zinc pyrthione. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the consumer product comprises an exfoliation agent, an optical brightner, a bleaching agent, an anti-oxidant/radical scavenger, an anti-inflammatory agent, an anti-microbial agent, an anti-acne agent, an anti-dandruff agent, a tanning agent, a UV protection agent, and/or an anti-cellulite agent. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product comprises the indicia and/or image and the micro-optic structure, and wherein the advertisement material is selected from the group consisting of point-of-sale devices and/or materials, coupons, mailers, periodical advertisement documents, product brochures, product inserts, product displays, shelf talkers, billboards, posters, buses, outdoor seating, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein consumer product is selected from the group consisting of dentifrice, floss, toothbrushes, mouth rinses, gum care, tooth whitening products, detergents, fabric conditioners, dish care products, household cleaners, bleach, vehicle care, fabric and home cleaning implements, architectural surface treatment products, pet care, mammalian wipes, and toweling.