The present invention relates generally to sample containers, by which is meant containers suitable for containing a small quantity of a product which the public is to be invited to test, and relates more especially to sample containers for fluid products. Clearly, the purpose in providing just a sample container is to minimise cost by providing less of the product than would normally be available for purchase. This is an important factor if the product is a perfume or other expensive product. On the other hand, it is desirable for marketing purposes for the sample container to be a replica of a full size container. This is primarily to inspire a strong visual link, leading to the encouragement of brand recognition.

It is an object of the present invention to try to resolve these apparently conflicting requirements in an attractive manner.

According to the present invention, a sample container comprises packaging and a sheet formed into a non-planar shape, the sheet presenting a first shaped portion generally discernible through the packaging and a second shaped portion generally hidden by the packaging, the first shaped portion having the outline of a container which might be expected to hold a sample of a fluid product and the second shaped portion having a backing secured to the sheet to form a reservoir which actually holds a sample of the fluid product, with the sheet further presenting an outlet which is in flow communication with the reservoir and is in alignment with an opening through the packaging.

In use, pressing a part of the packaging covering the reservoir will cause the reservoir to deform and thereby pump some of the product sample from the outlet, the

reservoir being potentially much smaller in volume than the container.

For viscous product samples, such as creams, the reservoir may be located above the outlet, whereas for less viscous product samples, such as liquids, the reservoir should be located below the outlet.

More particularly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the outlet is in the form of a nozzle openable by a pin and protrudes through the opening in the packaging; the container protrudes through an aperture of complementary shape in the packaging; the reservoir is in the form of a resiliently deformable dome of circular outline and is located vertically above the outlet which is itself located vertically above the container in an intended orientation; the sheet is a plastics material, the backing is a foil, and the packaging is a cardboard sleeve.

A sample container, in accordance with the present invention, will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a front view of the sample container;

Figure 2 is a front view of just the sheet;

Figure 3 is a rear view of just the backing for the sheet; and Figure 4 is a plan view of the sample container.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a sample container 10 according to the present invention comprises:-

- packaging 12, such as a cardboard sleeve which, in an intended orientation, is folded along its left edge 14, is stuck to itself along a strip 16 at its right edge, and presents an upper trapezoidal opening 18 as well as a lower rectangular aperture 20;

- a sheet 22 formed into a non-planar shape, possibly by vacuum forming or blow moulding a plastics material to present the outline of a rectangular container 24, which in use is generally discernible through and indeed protrudes through the complementary aperture 20, as well as the

outline of a circular reservoir 26, which in use is generally hidden by an upper part of the packaging 12;

- a backing 28, such as a foil which is heat sealed, ultrasonically welded or otherwise secured to the sheet 22, for use in holding a sample of a fluid product (not shown) within the reservoir 26; and

- an outlet 30 which is in alignment with and indeed protrudes through the opening 18, is in flow communication with the reservoir 26 by means of a channel 32 formed in the sheet 22 and is intended to give the impression of formi part of the container 24, which can be empty and thus not be covered by the backing 28.

The plastics material may be e.g. PVC/PVDC/PE, MONO BAREX or PS/EVOH/PE and the foil backing may be e.g. metallised PET/PE, PET/FOIL/BAREX or PET/FOIL/PE, all as known per se.

The outlet 30 is in the form of a frusto-conical nozzle extending from a trapezoidal base 34 complementary to the opening 18. A ridge 36 assists location. The backing 28 is secured to the back of the sheet 22 around the reservoir 26, the channel 32 and the base 34, and also around the container 24.

The reservoir 26 may have a volume of 3ml with the volume of the container 24 being 30ml. It may be necessary to open the outlet 30 with a pin. The channel 32 may be fairly long so the reservoir 26 may be located some distance from the container 24 and, for thinner fluid products, may be located to the side of the container 24. The plastics sheet 22, even when formed into a non-planar shape, may be shallow so the packaging 12 is not bulky. The reservoir 26 may be in the form of a resiliently deflectable dome but may include rings, a diaphragm or bellows to improve the pump effect.

Particular advantages are that the sample container 10 is capable of repeated use, without removal of the packaging 12, which can carry advertising as well as instructions to the user to "press here".