Abstract:
A coloring kit is disclosed which includes writing instruments for making marks in color, a storage container for the writing instruments, and a compact disc that has instructions for reproducing displays of interactive activities utilizing the writing instruments from a personal computer. The interactive activities may include a coloring book or similar such activities. The end user or customer may print physical copies of the displays from a personal computer coupled to a printer. In some embodiments, the storage container may also enclose and store the compact disc.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    Writing instruments capable of making marks in color are available. Examples of such writing instruments include crayons, markers, and colored pencils. Young children are known to use such colored writing instruments to create drawings and pictures on a surface or canvas, both as a form of amusement and for educational value. To provide the child a variety of colors to draw with, the writing instruments are typically distributed in sets including multiple writing instruments each capable of marking in a different color. Often included with the set is a container for storage of the writing instruments when not in use. Such a storage container is especially desirable among young children who are known to have a propensity for losing items.  
           [0002]    Also, various interactive activities and crafts are available in which the child can participate while using the colored writing instruments. Examples of such activities include coloring books and connect-the-dots games. Traditionally, displays of such activities have been distributed in physical form such as printed-paper booklets. Often times, the physical displays of the activities must be purchased separately from writing instrument sets. Additionally, when distributed in a physical medium, only one display of the activity is obtained allowing only one use since the display is often consumed by its use.  
           [0003]    It is therefore advantageous to combine the beneficial features and advantages described above in a way that eliminates the noted disadvantages.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention provides in a in a single kit a writing instrument or plurality of writing instruments, a container for enclosing and storing the writing instruments and a compact disc. The compact disc preferably contains data and information for printing out from a computer and a printer sheets displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. The user will be able to print physical copies of the interactive displays from a personal computer attached to a printer.  
           [0005]    Also encompassed by the present invention is method for distributing writing instruments and sheets displaying interactive activities for use with the writing instruments. The method involves storing on a compact disc information for reproducing physical copies of the interactive displays on a personal computer coupled to a printer and distributing the compact disc along with the writing instruments.  
           [0006]    An advantage of the present invention is that both writing instruments and interactive displays that involve those instruments maybe distributed together as a package. Another advantage is that the interactive displays are distributed on a compact disc that allows for multiple copies to be created, and thus multiple uses of a single display. Another advantageous aspect of the present invention is that a container is provided for distributing and storing the writing instruments and compact disc. These and other advantages of the present invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments provided herein. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a kit assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present invention with the lid closed.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the kit of FIG. 1 with the lid open.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the kit of FIG. 1.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 4 is a front view of the container shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 is a left side view of the container shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 6 is a right side view of the container shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 7 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 9 is a front view of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the lid open.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 10 is a left side view of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the lid open.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 11 is a right side view of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the lid open.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 12 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the lid open.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG. 1 with the lid open.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 14 is a front view of a thermoformed plastic sheet.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 15 is a side view of the thermoformed plastic sheet of FIG. 14.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 17 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 16.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  in FIG. 17.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 20 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 19.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view take along line  21 - 21  of FIG. 20.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 23 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 22.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view taken along line  24 - 24  of FIG. 23.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 26 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 25.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view taken along line  27 - 27  of FIG. 26.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 29 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 28.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 30 is a side view of the kit of FIG. 28.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view taken along line  31 - 31  of FIG. 29.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with the sections opened.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 33 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 32 with the sections closed.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 34 is a cross sectional view taken along line  34 - 34  of FIG. 33.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with the clamshell opened.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 36 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 35 with the clamshell closed.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view taken along line  37 - 37  of FIG. 36.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with the swing out sleeve opened.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 39 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 25 with the swing out sleeve closed.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 40 is a side view of the kit of FIG. 25 with the swing out sleeve closed.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 42 is a front view of the kit of FIG. 41.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view taken along line  43 - 43  of FIG. 42.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a personal computer, a printer, a compact disc and an activity sheet in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0051]    One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. A container  100  is provided for enclosing and storing a plurality of writing instruments  120  and a compact disc  130 . The exterior of container  100  is defined by a front panel  102 , a rear panel  104  generally parallel to the front panel, a bottom side  106  generally perpendicular to both the front and rear panels, and two side panels  108 . Additionally, the container  100  includes a top panel or lid  110  that extends angularly upward from the front panel  102  to the rear panel  104 . Thus, while the front profile of container  100  appears generally rectangular as seen in FIG. 4, the angled lid  110  appears as a slant from the front panel to the rear panel in the side profiles seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. The panels of container  100  surround and define an internal cavity  170  in which writing instruments  120  and compact disc  130  are enclosed. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, to gain access to the internal cavity, the lid  110  is pivotally connected to rear panel  104  by a living hinge. The container  100  is opened by pivoting the lid  110  up off of the front panel  102  and closed by pivoting lid  110  adjacent to the front panel  102 .  
         [0052]    To stop container  100  from unintentionally opening and exposing the internal cavity  170 , a closure mechanism is provided for holding lid  110  in the closed position. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 two flanges  112  are located at the edges of the lid  110  and extend perpendicularly from it. As the lid  110  is pivoted to close the container, the flanges  112  begin to overlap recessed portions  114  of the side panels  108 . As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, tabs  116  on the lid  110  engage tabs  118  on the front panel  102 , thus retaining the lid  110  adjacent the front panel  102  and enclosing the internal cavity  170 .  
         [0053]    An exploded view of the container  100 , the writing utensils  120 , and the compact disc  130  removed from the internal cavity  170  is shown in FIG. 3. The particular writing utensils  120  illustrated are cylindrical shaped, elongated wax crayons of varying colors. However, the specific description is exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included in the presently described embodiment. For example, the writing instruments may be markers and/or pencils. For increased organization and ease of assembly, the crayons  120  may be pre-assembled in jackets  122 , with each jacket comprising sixteen crayons split into two rows. Referring back to FIG. 2, the crayons  120  in their jackets  122  are retained vertically upright within the internal cavity  170 . To enhance the display, every second horizontal row of crayons is tiered or stepped upwards as the rows extend from the front panel  102  towards the rear panel  104 .  
         [0054]    Still referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the compact disc  130  is positioned between the second and third rows of crayons and is partially visible above the second row. In other embodiments, the compact disc can be located before the first row, or between the first row and the second row, or between the third row and the fourth row, or between the fourth row and the fifth row, or between the fifth row and the sixth row, or after the sixth row. In addition, in other embodiments, the compact disc may be enclosed in a container or a sleeve. For example, the container may be a compact disc jewel case or the sleeve may be a plastic sleeve or a paper sleeve.  
         [0055]    Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The user can retrieve the compact disc accessing the internal cavity, then run the compact disc on a personal computer to print the displays. Afterwards, the compact disc can be returned to the container for storage.  
         [0056]    In this embodiment, the compact disc  130  is a full size compact disc. A full size compact disc is circular and has an outside diameter of approximately 4¾ inches (12 centimeters), a thickness of approximately {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.16 centimeters) and center hole with a diameter of approximately {fraction (9/16)} of an inch (1.5 centimeters). In another embodiment, the compact disc may be a mini compact disc. A mini compact disc is circular and has an outside diameter of approximately 3⅛ inches (8 centimeters), a thickness of approximately {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.16 centimeters) and a center hole with a diameter of approximately {fraction (9/16)} of an inch (1.5 centimeters). In yet another embodiment, the compact disc may be a business card compact disc as shown in FIG. 16. A business card compact disc is rectangular and has a length of approximately 3⅜ of an inch (8.6 centimeters), a width of approximately 2¼ of an inch (5.7 centimeters), a thickness of approximately {fraction (1/16)} of an inch (0.16 centimeters) and a center hole with a diameter of approximately {fraction (9/16)} of an inch (1.5 centimeters).  
         [0057]    To achieve the stepped display of the crayons, it can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 the interiors of the panels form specially shaped ledges  172  along the bottom of the internal cavity for raising the sleeves of crayons. As is also evident, the sloped lid  110  must provide relieves  174  for accommodating the raised crayons.  
         [0058]    Preferably, the present embodiment of the container is constructed from a thermoformed plastic sheet  150  illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. The front panel  102 , bottom panel  106 , rear panel  104 , and lid  110  can be seen respectively as distinct sections of the sheet each separated by hinge or pivot portions  152 . The sections fold together to form the container seen in FIG. 1. To fasten the front panel section  102  to the rear panel section  104 , pins  162  can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 protruding from the front panel section  154 . The pins  162  align with depressions  164  formed on the rear panel section  104 . As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the sections are folded together, the pins  162  snap fit into the depressions  164  to hold the container together. Preferably, the plastic used to construct the container is transparent so that a customer may view the crayons and compact disc through the container before purchase.  
         [0059]    Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 18. FIGS. 17 and 18 show a generally rectangular, six-sided container  200 , the sides of which define an internal cavity  210  for enclosing and storing a plurality of writing instruments  220 . Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, a compact disc  230  is removably secured to the rear panel  204  of the container  200 .  
         [0060]    To gain access to the internal cavity and writing instruments contained therein, often times a peripheral side of the container is pivotally joined with an adjacent side to form a lid. The lid can then be rotated about the pivoted joint to open and close the container. As another example of a suitable method of accessing the internal cavity, the container may be constructed in the form of a sleeve and a box. In such an example, an open topped box containing the writing instruments is covered by a multisided sleeve of substantially the same dimensions as the box so as to enclose the open top. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, alternative methods for accessing and enclosing the internal cavity are available and equally acceptable and the illustrated embodiment is not to be limited to the aforementioned descriptions.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 16 through 18 also illustrate that the container  200  may include an aperture  212  for viewing the internal cavity and writing instruments contained therein. The container  200  may include an extension section  214  with a punch out  216  extending from the rear panel  204  beyond the general confines of the container for hanging the container from a display rack. The container  200  can be constructed from any suitable material. Preferably, the container is constructed primarily out of paper products such as cardboard.  
         [0062]    As evident in FIGS. 17 and 18, the cylindrical writing utensils  220  are stored vertically upright along a single horizontal row within the enclosed internal cavity  210 . The particular writing utensils displayed are generally cylindrical shaped, elongated wax crayons; however, the specific description is exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included with the presently described embodiment. For example, the writing instruments may be markers and/or pencils. Nor should the present embodiment be construed as limited to only a single horizontal row of writing utensils contained in the internal cavity. For example, in other embodiments, the container may include two rows, three rows, four rows, or five or more rows of writing instruments. The crayons  220  may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the internal cavity  210  by accessing the internal cavity  210  via one of the methods described above.  
         [0063]    As shown in FIG. 16, the compact disc  230  is removably secured to the rear panel  204  of the container  200 . To accomplish this, an additional panel of material  208  may be affixed in such a manner to form a pocket. The pocket panel  208  may be smaller then the rear panel  204  and may be located near the bottom of the container. Three edges of the pocket panel maybe adhesively fastened to the corresponding perimeter of the container  200  while the fourth edge forms the opening for the pocket. The compact disc  230  may then be inserted into the pocket for distribution with the container. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The user can remove the compact disc from the pocket then run the compact disc on a personal computer to print the displays. Afterwards, the compact disc can be secured in the pocket of the container again for storage.  
         [0064]    To accommodate the small size of the container illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 18, a business card sized compact disc  230  is secured to the container  200  rather then a full sized compact disc. Business card sized compact discs are substantially the same as typical full sized compact discs except, instead of having a circular disk geometry, they are shaped to resemble business cards. Business card compact discs store information in the same method and manner as typical full sized compact discs and can be played in many standard compact disc players. However, the business card sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure with regards to the particular sized compact disc. For example, in another embodiment, the container may include a mini compact disc. In addition, when the size of container  200  increases, a full sized compact disc may be secured to the rear panel of the container.  
         [0065]    Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 19 through 21. A six-sided container  300  is disclosed, the sides of which define an internal cavity  302  for storing and enclosing writing instruments  320 . In accordance with the present invention, a compact disc  330  is secured adjacent to the container by shrink-wrapped plastic film  332 .  
         [0066]    The internal cavity maybe accessed in a variety of ways to retrieve and replace the writing instruments contained therein. For instance, a peripheral side of the container may be pivotally joined with an adjacent side to form a lid. The lid can then be rotated about the pivoted joint to open and close the container. As another example of a suitable method of accessing the internal cavity, the container may be constructed in the form of a sleeve and a box. In such an example, a five-sided, topless box containing the writing instruments is covered by a multisided sleeve of substantially the same dimensions as the box so as to enclose the open top. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, alternative methods for accessing and enclosing the internal cavity are available and equally acceptable and the illustrated embodiment is not to be limited to the aforementioned descriptions.  
         [0067]    Also shown in FIG. 20, the container may include an aperture  310  through one side for viewing the internal cavity and writing instruments  320  included therein. Though the container may be constructed from any suitable material, preferably paper products such as cardboard are used.  
         [0068]    As evident in FIGS. 20 and 21, the cylindrical writing utensils  320  are stored vertically upright in horizontal rows within the enclosed internal cavity  302 . The particular writing utensils displayed are generally cylindrical shaped, elongated wax crayons; however, the specific description is exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included with the presently described embodiment. For example, the writing instruments may be markers and/or pencils. Nor should the present embodiment be construed as limited to only the displayed number of horizontal rows of writing utensils contained in the internal cavity. For example, in other embodiments, the container may include one row, two rows, three rows, or five or more rows of writing instruments. The crayons  320  may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the internal cavity by accessing the internal cavity by one of the methods described above.  
         [0069]    As shown in FIGS. 19 through 21, a full sized compact disc  330  is located adjacent a side of the container opposite the side including the aperture  310 . The compact disc is secured to the container by a shrink-wrapped plastic film  332 . Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The compact disc  330  can be unsecured from the container for printing the displays from a personal computer by cutting and removing the shrink-wrapped plastic film  332 . After the compact disc has been removed and used, the compact disc can be stored inside the container  300 .  
         [0070]    Notably, the size of the container  300  illustrated in FIGS. 19 through 21 permits a full sized compact disc to be secured to the side of the container. However, the full sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure with regards to the particular sized compact disc. Accordingly, a business card compact disc or a mini compact disc may be secured adjacent to the container.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIGS. 22 through 24 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. A six-sided container  400  is disclosed, the sides of which define an internal cavity  410  for enclosing and storing a plurality of writing instruments  420 . Also, in accordance with the present invention, a compact disc  430  is securely enclosed in the internal cavity  410  along with the writing instruments  420 .  
         [0072]    The internal cavity may be accessed in a variety of ways to retrieve and replace the writing instruments contained therein. For instance, a peripheral side of the container may be pivotally joined with an adjacent side to form a lid. The lid can then be rotated about the pivoted joint to open and close the container. As another example of suitable method of accessing the internal cavity, the container may be constructed in the form of a sleeve and a box. In such an example, a five-sided, topless box containing the writing instruments is covered by a multisided sleeve of substantially the same dimensions as the box so as to enclose the open top. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, alternative methods for accessing and enclosing the internal cavity are available and equally acceptable and the illustrated embodiment is not to be limited to the aforementioned descriptions.  
         [0073]    Also illustrated in FIG. 23, the container  400  may include an aperture  412  for viewing the internal cavity and writing instruments contained therein. The container  400  may include an extension section  414  with a punch out  416  extending one of the sides beyond the general confines of the container  400  for hanging the container from a display rack. The container  400  can be constructed from any suitable material. Preferably, the container is constructed primarily out of paper products such as cardboard.  
         [0074]    As evident in FIGS. 23 and 24, the cylindrical writing instruments  420  are stored vertically upright in horizontal rows within the enclosed internal cavity  410 . The particular writing instruments displayed are generally cylindrical shaped, elongated pencils; however, the specific description is exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included with the presently described embodiment. For example, in other embodiments, the writing instruments may be markers and/or crayons. Nor should the present embodiment be construed as limited to only the displayed number of horizontal rows of writing instruments contained in the internal cavity. For example, in other embodiments, the container may include one row, three rows, four rows or five or more rows of writing instruments. The pencils  420  may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the container  400  by accessing the internal cavity  410  by one of the methods described above.  
         [0075]    As best shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, a full sized compact disc  430  is enclosed in the internal cavity  410  between the writing utensils and a container side opposite the side including the aperture. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The compact disc can be removed from the container to print the displays by accessing the internal cavity. The user can remove the compact disc from the pocket, then run the compact disc on a personal computer to print the displays. Afterwards, the compact disc can be returned to the internal cavity of the container again for storage.  
         [0076]    Notably, the size of the container  400  illustrated in FIGS. 22 through 24 permits a full sized compact disc  430  to be enclosed inside the internal cavity. However, the full sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure with regards to the particular sized compact disc. Accordingly, a business card compact disc or a mini compact disc may be included in the container.  
         [0077]    Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 25 through 27. A six-sided rectangular container  500  is disclosed, the sides of which define an internal cavity  506  for enclosing and storing writing instruments  520 . In accordance with the present invention, a compact disc  530  is secured adjacent to the front side  502  of the container by a preferably transparent plastic film  512  that retains both the compact disc and the container to a blister card  510 . The blister card  510  includes a punch out hole  514  for hanging the container and compact disc from a display hook. After purchase by the consumer, the blister card  510  and its associated plastic film  512  may be discarded.  
         [0078]    The internal cavity maybe accessed in a variety of ways to retrieve and return the writing instruments contained therein. For instance, a peripheral side of the container may be pivotally joined with an adjacent side to form a lid. The lid can then be rotated about the pivoted joint to open and close the container. As another example of suitable method of accessing the internal cavity, the container may be constructed in the form of a sleeve and a box. In such an example, a five-sided topless box containing the writing instruments is covered by a multisided sleeve of substantially the same dimensions as the box so as to enclose the open top. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, alternative methods for accessing and enclosing the internal cavity are available and equally acceptable and the illustrated embodiment is not to be limited to the aforementioned descriptions.  
         [0079]    Also shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the front side  502  of container  500  may include an aperture  504  through one side for viewing the internal cavity and writing instruments  520  included therein. Though the container may be constructed from any suitable material, preferably paper products such as cardboard are used.  
         [0080]    As evident in FIGS. 26 and 27, the cylindrical writing instruments  520  are stored vertically upright in horizontal rows within the enclosed internal cavity  506 . The particular writing instruments displayed are generally cylindrical shaped, elongated pencils; however, the specific description is exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included with the presently described embodiment. For example, in other embodiments, the writing instruments may be markers and/or crayons. Nor should the present embodiment be construed as limited to only the displayed horizontal rows of writing utensils contained in the internal cavity. For example, in other embodiments, the container may include two rows, three rows, four rows or five or more rows of writing instruments. The pencils  520  may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the container  500  by accessing the internal cavity  506  by one of the methods described above.  
         [0081]    As shown in FIGS. 25 through 27, a business card sized compact disc is located adjacent the front side  502  of the container below the aperture  504 . The compact disc is secured to the container by the plastic film used to retain the container  500  and box to the blister card  510 . Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The compact disc can be unsecured from the container for printing the displays off a personal computer by cutting and removing the plastic film associated with the blister card  510 . After the compact disc has been removed and used, the compact disc can be stored inside the container  500 .  
         [0082]    Notably, due to the size of the container  500  illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, a business card sized compact disc  530  is preferably secured to the front side of the container by the plastic film associated with the blister card  510 . However, the business card sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to a particular sized compact disc. For example, in another embodiment, a mini compact disc may be secured to the container. Furthermore, as the size of container  500  increases, a full sized compact disc may be secured to the container.  
         [0083]    A similar embodiment to the previously described embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 28 through 31. The business card sized compact disc  630  is mounted on a blister card  610  adjacent to side of container  600  that encloses the writing instruments  620 . The compact disc  630  is secured to that location by the plastic film  612  associated with blister card  630 . In other embodiments, the writing instruments may be markers and/or crayons. Also, in other embodiments, the container may include two rows, three rows, four rows or five or more rows of writing instruments. Furthermore, in other embodiments the compact disc may be a mini compact disc or a full size compact disc.  
         [0084]    Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 32 through 34. A container  700  is disclosed which defines an internal cavity  718  for enclosing and storing a plurality of writing instruments  720 . Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, a compact disc  730  inside a sleeve  732  is enclosed inside the internal cavity along with the writing instruments  720 .  
         [0085]    The container  700  includes two sections, a front section  702  and a back section  704 , that are interconnected by a living hinge  706 . More specifically, both sections are generally formed by a planner surface  708  with a raised wall  710  extending around the perimeter of the surface. When the sections are folded toward each other along the living hinge, the area enclosed between the two planner surfaces and the adjoining perimeter walls defines the internal cavity.  
         [0086]    As shown in FIG. 32, to retain the sections in a clamped position and enclose the internal cavity, there is included a closure mechanism on a side of the container  700 . More specifically, a latch  712  is located on the edge of the front section  702  opposite the edge with the living hinge. The latch  712  rises beyond the perimeter wall  710  and includes a slit  713  disposed through it. Correspondingly, located on the back section  704  at the edge also opposite the edge with the living hinge, a protrusion  714  extends from the perimeter wall away from the area that defines the internal cavity. When the two sections are clamped shut, the protrusion  714  aligns with and inserts itself into the silt  713  located on the latch  712  securing the container closed. To open the container and access the internal cavity, the latch  712  is pulled back releasing the protrusion  714 , as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.  
         [0087]    Also shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the front section may include an aperture  716  for viewing the internal cavity and the writing instruments enclosed therein. Preferably, the container is constructed from plastic. More preferably, the container is constructed from plastic formed by injection molding.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 32 and  34  show that the cylindrical writing instruments  720  are stored vertically upright in a single horizontal row within the area that defines the internal cavity  718 . The particular writing instruments displayed are generally cylindrical shaped, elongated markers; however, the specific description is for purposes of example only and should not be considered as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included with the presently described embodiment. For example, in other embodiments, the writing instruments may be crayons and/or pencils. Nor should the present embodiment be construed as limited to only the displayed number of horizontal rows of writing utensils contained in the internal cavity. For example, in other embodiments, the container may include two rows, three rows, four rows or five or more rows of writing instruments. The markers  720  may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the container  700  by accessing the internal cavity  718  by the method described above.  
         [0089]    As shown in FIGS. 32 through 34, a full sized compact disc  730  enclosed in the internal cavity  718  between the writing utensils and the front section  702 . The compact disc may be stored inside a sleeve  732  for protection. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The compact disc  730  can be removed from the container  700  to print the displays by accessing the internal cavity. After obtaining the displays by running the compact disc  730  on a personal computer connected to a printer, the compact disc  730  can be returned to the internal cavity for storage.  
         [0090]    Notably, the size of the container  700  illustrated in FIGS. 32 through 34 permits a full sized compact disc  730  to be enclosed inside the internal cavity. However, the full sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure with regards to the particular sized compact disc. Accordingly, a business card compact disc or a mini compact disc may be enclosed inside the internal cavity.  
         [0091]    Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 35 through 37. A plastic clamshell package  804 , a type of packaging generally well known in the art, surrounds and encapsulates a six-sided container  800  and a business card sized compact disc  830 . Two sections of the clamshell, a front section  806  and a back section  808  are joined by a living hinge  810  that allows the sections to be folded over themselves such that they are adjacent to one another. When folded against each other, the sections define an interior volume preferably sized to closely fit the container  800  without leaving excessive space. To retain the sections together, two protrusions  812  may be located on the back section  808  of the clamshell, which when the sections are folded together align with and fasten themselves into two indentations  814  on the front cover  806 . Also, as indicated in FIG. 36, the clamshell may include a punch-out  816  for hanging the clamshell package from a display hanger. Preferably, the clamshell is made from clear or transparent plastic to allow viewing of its contents. After use by the consumer, the clamshell package  804  may be used to store the container  800  and the compact disc  830 .  
         [0092]    Shown in FIG. 37, the sides of container  800  define an internal cavity  802  for enclosing and storing writing instruments  820 . The internal cavity may be accessed in a variety of ways to retrieve and replace the writing instruments contained therein. For instance, a peripheral side of the container may be pivotally joined with an adjacent side to form a lid. The lid can then be rotated about the pivoted joint to open and close the container. As another example of suitable method of accessing the internal cavity, the container may be constructed in the form of a sleeve and a box. In such an example, a five-sided topless box containing the writing instruments is covered by a multisided sleeve of substantially the same dimensions as the box so as to enclose the open top. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, alternative methods for accessing and enclosing the internal cavity are available and equally acceptable and the illustrated embodiment is not to be limited to the aforementioned descriptions. Though the container may be constructed from any suitable material, preferably paper products such as cardboard are used.  
         [0093]    Also evident in FIGS.  37 , the cylindrical writing instruments  820  are stored vertically upright in horizontal rows within the enclosed internal cavity  802 . The particular writing instruments displayed are generally cylindrical shaped, elongated wax crayons; however, the specific description is exemplary only and should not be construed as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included with the presently described embodiment. For example, in other embodiments, the writing instruments may be markers and/or pencils. Nor should the present embodiment be construed as limited to only the displayed number horizontal rows of writing utensils contained in the internal cavity. For example, in other embodiments, the container may include one row, three rows, four rows or five or more rows of writing instruments. The crayons  820  may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the container  800  by accessing the internal cavity  810  by one of the methods described above.  
         [0094]    As shown in FIGS. 35 and 37, the business card sized compact disc  830  is located adjacent to container  800 . The compact disc is secured to the container by the clamshell package  804  when the clamshell sections are folded together. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The compact disc can be unsecured from the container for printing the displays off a personal computer by separating the sections of the clamshell  810 . After the compact disc has been removed and used, the compact disc can be stored inside the container  800 .  
         [0095]    Notably, as displayed in FIG. 35, a business card sized compact disc  830  is best suited to accommodate the illustrated container  800  and clamshell package  804 . However, the business card sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to particular sized compact disc. For example, in another embodiment, a mini compact disc may be secured to the container. Furthermore, as the size of container  800  and clamshell  804  increases, a full sized compact disc may be secured to the container.  
         [0096]    Another embodiment is displayed in FIGS. 38 through 40. A six-sided container  900  is disclosed, the sides of which define an internal cavity  918  for enclosing and storing a plurality of writing instruments  920 . Also, in accordance with the present invention, a compact disc  930  is secured to swing out sleeve  902  that is interconnected to the container  900 .  
         [0097]    The internal cavity maybe accessed in a variety of ways to retrieve and return the writing instruments contained therein. For instance, a peripheral side of the container may be pivotally joined with an adjacent side to form a lid. The lid can then be rotated about the pivoted joint to open and close the container. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, alternative methods for accessing and enclosing the internal cavity are available and equally acceptable and the illustrated embodiment is not to be limited to the aforementioned description.  
         [0098]    To enable the swing out sleeve  902  to lay flat against the rear panel  906  as illustrated in FIG. 39, or alternatively to swing away from the container as illustrated in FIG. 38, the swing-out sleeve  902  may be interconnected to an elongated upright edge of the rear panel  906  by a living hinge  904 . The compact disc may be secured to the sleeve in a number of ways. For instance, the sleeve  902  may define a pocket into which the compact disc  930  may be inserted. Alternatively, the inner face of the sleeve  902  may include a flexible hub, as common in compact disc jewel cases, for retaining the compact disc  930  to the sleeve. Other alternative methods of securing the compact disc to the sleeve will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art, and the present embodiment is not intended to be limited to the disclosed examples.  
         [0099]    The container  900  may include, as illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39, an aperture  912  on the front panel  910  for viewing the internal cavity and writing instruments contained therein. The container  900  may include an extension section  914  with a punch out  916  extending from the rear panel  906  beyond the general confines of the container  900  for hanging the container  900  from a display rack. Though the container  900  can be constructed from any suitable material, preferably, it is constructed primarily out of paper products such as cardboard.  
         [0100]    Typically, elongated, cylindrical writing instruments  920  may be enclosed in the internal cavity  910  in vertically upright, horizontal rows. The actual writing instruments stored may include, but are not limited to, pencils, crayons, and markers. The writing instruments may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the container  900  by accessing the internal cavity by the method described above. In other embodiments, the container may include two rows, three rows, four rows, or five or more rows of writing instruments.  
         [0101]    The compact disc  930  is secured to the container  900  via the sleeve  902  as discussed above. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the writing instruments. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. The compact disc  930  can be removed from the container  900  to print the displays by accessing the internal cavity. After obtaining the displays by running the compact disc  930  on a computer, the compact disc  930  can be returned to the internal cavity  910  for storage.  
         [0102]    Notably, the size of the container  900  and sleeve illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39 permit a full sized compact disc  930  to be enclosed inside the internal cavity. However, the full sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure with regards to the particular sized compact disc. Accordingly, a business card compact disc or a mini compact disc may be secured to the swing out sleeve  902 .  
         [0103]    Another embodiment is displayed in FIGS. 41 through 43. A six-sided container  1000  is disclosed, the sides of which define an internal cavity  1012  for enclosing and storing a plurality of writing instruments  1020 . Also, in accordance with the present invention, a compact disc  1030  is adhesively secured to the rear panel  1002  of the container  1000 .  
         [0104]    The internal cavity may be accessed in a variety of ways to retrieve and replace the writing instruments  1020  contained therein. For instance, a peripheral side of the container may be pivotally joined with an adjacent side to form a lid. The lid can then be rotated about the pivoted joint to open and close the container. As another example of suitable method of accessing the internal cavity, the container may take the form of a sleeve and a box. In such an example, a five-sided, topless box containing the writing instruments is covered by a multisided sleeve of substantially the same dimensions as the box so as to enclose the open top. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, alternative methods for accessing and enclosing the internal cavity are available and equally acceptable and the illustrated embodiment is not to be limited to the aforementioned descriptions.  
         [0105]    Also illustrated in FIG. 42, the container  1000  may include an aperture  1006  through the front panel  1004  for viewing the internal cavity and writing instruments contained therein. The container  1000  may include an extension section  1008  with a punch out  1010  extending the rear panel  1002  beyond the general confines of the container  1000  for hanging the container from a display rack. The container  1000  can be constructed from any suitable material. Preferably, the container is constructed primarily out of paper products such as cardboard.  
         [0106]    As evident in FIGS. 42 and 43, the cylindrical writing instruments  1020  are stored vertically upright in horizontal rows within the enclosed internal cavity. The particular writing instruments displayed are generally cylindrical shaped, elongated, wax crayons; however, the particular description is for purposes of illustration only and should not be considered as limiting the types and forms of writing instruments that maybe included with the presently described embodiment. For example, in other embodiments, the writing instruments may be markers and/or pencils. Nor should the present embodiment be construed as limited to only the displayed horizontal rows of writing instruments contained in the internal cavity. For example, in other embodiments, the container may include two rows, three rows, four rows, or five or more rows of writing instruments. Pencils  1020  may be selected and removed from and, after use, returned for storage to the container  1000  by accessing the internal cavity by one of the methods described above.  
         [0107]    A business-sized compact disc  1030  is shown in FIG. 41 adjacent to the rear panel  1002  of the container  1000 . In particular, the compact disc  1030  is releasably secured to the container with a light tack adhesive. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the compact disc will contain data and information for printing out from a computer  1100  and a printer  1110  sheets  1120  displaying interactive games and activities utilizing the crayons. Most preferably, it will contain data for what amounts to a coloring book. Due to the light tack adhesive, the user can remove the compact disc from the container after purchase for use in with a personal computer to print sheets containing the displays. Desirably, the light tack adhesive will remain attached to the container  1000  and not pull away with the compact disc  1030  allowing for immediate use of the disc with a computer. However, if the adhesive remains on the compact disc, it should be easily removable from the compact disc.  
         [0108]    Notably, the size of the container  1000  illustrated in FIGS. 41 through 43 requires that a business card sized compact disc  1030  to be enclosed adjacent the container  1000 . However, the business card sized compact disc shown in the figures is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure with regards to the particular sized compact disc. For example, in other embodiments, a mini compact disc or a full size compact disc may be secured to the rear panel of the container. Furthermore, after the compact disc has been removed and used, the compact disc may be stored inside the container  1000 .  
         [0109]    While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon the disclosed embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations of the embodiments may be used and that it is intended that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined.  
         [0110]    For example, for each of the embodiments noted herein, the writing instruments may be crayons, markers and/or pencils with appropriate adjustments to the size of the kit. Furthermore, for each of the embodiments noted herein, the compact disc may be a full size compact disc, a mini compact disc and/or a business card compact disc with appropriate adjustments to the size of the kit. In addition, each of the embodiments may include more than one compact disc with appropriate adjustments to the size of the kit. The kit may include one, two, three, four, or five or more compact discs.