Dispenser Package Covers
A novel razor cartridge package suitable for protectively storing a razor cartridge is disclosed. The package includes two or more connected containers with individual covers for covering the top perimeter of each container. The covers may be plastic, flexible and adhesively sealed to the container such that a user can peel the cover sheet back to open and access an individual razor cartridge. The individual covers and/or tabs coupled to the covers are arranged in an overlapping manner so as to direct the consumer to remove the covers in a predetermined sequence.
This invention relates to a razor cartridge package suitable having covers for protectively storing multiple razor cartridges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCurrent razor cartridge packages include plastic containers with a storage region for each cartridge. Individually sealed containers for shaving cartridges are known in the prior art; for instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,499,595 and 6,886,690. These types of individual containers are widely used for female razor cartridges.
There is a need to provide a unique package and method of packaging suitable for both male and female razor cartridges that provide multiple connected containers enabling the consumer to be able to individually and easily open and use one razor cartridge at a time in a particular sequence while also providing a level of mechanical and environmental protection for each cartridge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the present invention, a novel razor cartridge package includes a plurality of connected containers each for storing at least one razor cartridge, and at least one cover removably attached to a top perimeter of each of the plurality of connected containers wherein the covers are coupled so as to direct a sequence of removal of the covers.
A first cover of a first of the plurality of connected containers overlaps an adjacent second cover of a second of the plurality of connected containers such that the first cover is removed before the adjacent second cover can be removed. The overlap includes an overlap area less than the area of one of the top perimeters of one of the plurality of connected containers.
The covers may include a tab. In one aspect of the invention, a first tab of the cover of a first of the connected containers overlaps with an adjacent cover of a second of the connected containers. In another aspect of the invention, a first tab of the cover of a first of the connected containers overlaps with an adjacent second tab of a second cover of a second of the connected containers. The cover is capable of being peeled off by a user and it may be peeled off via the tab. The cover may be made of plastic and may adhesively sealed onto the top perimeters of each of the plurality of connected containers. The cover may be transparent, opaque, colored or any combination thereof, and prevent environmental elements from entering the container with the razor cartridge. The cover may be flexible. In addition, the containers may be transparent, opaque, colored or any combination thereof. Each of the containers and each of the covers may be integrated.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of making a razor package includes molding a plurality of containers from a plastic material, placing a razor cartridge within a storage region of each of the plurality of containers, and sealing a first top perimeter of a first of the plurality of connected containers with a first plastic cover sheet that overlaps a second plastic cover sheet sealed onto a second top perimeter of a second of the plurality of connected containers wherein the second container is adjacent the first container. In this way, the overlapping cover sheets direct a sequence of removal of the first cover sheet from the first containers prior to removal of the second cover sheet from the second container.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:
The invention relates to novel razor cartridge packaging which includes connected plastic containers having individual removable plastic covers. Each container is capable of storing at least one razor cartridge and at least one cover is removably attached to a top perimeter of each of the connected containers wherein the covers are coupled, structured, and arranged together such that they direct a predetermined sequence of use by the consumer for the razor cartridges. The sequence of removal of the cover or cover sheets is evident to the user upon viewing the dispenser package. This visual cue or signal provided by the coupled cover sheets in the dispenser package is adequate to indicate to the user which cartridge to open and use first, second, third, and fourth or whatever the number may be.
For purposes of the present invention, the terms “cover” and “cover sheet(s)” may be used interchangeably herein.
Referring now to
Containers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d may be substantially identical to each other. Containers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d may also assist in protecting the razor cartridges both mechanically and environmentally as will be described in more detail below.
Covers 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d assist in protecting the enclosed razor cartridges from the environment and allow for each individual razor cartridge to be removed from opened individually. The covers may each comprise a separate tab, notch, clip or any type of extension 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d extending from each respective cover and may be on one end or outside corner of the respective cover or container or centrally located.
Covers 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d may be made of any generally flexible, impermeable material, multilayered laminate or any type of plastic, such that each cover or cover sheet prevents the contents of the container from coming out while also preventing environmental elements from entering the container. The covers may desirably be made of a sturdy and robust material so as to also prevent any stabs or jabs from puncturing or making holes in the covers (e.g., cover sheets or cover seal).
Covers 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d may be individually adhesively sealed with a material around the top periphery of containers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d of package 10 via heat and pressure or via any other suitable manner.
As shown in
For instance, in the present invention, the cover or cover sheet 14d may overlap or extend onto the top of cover sheet 14c at area 15c. The remaining cover sheets are similarly arranged such that cover sheet 14c overlaps or extends over cover sheet 14b at area 15b, and cover sheet 14b overlaps cover sheet 14a at area 15a. Hence, in the present invention, and as depicted in
It should be noted that cover sheet 14a (e.g., the bottom cover sheet) may not overlap with any other cover sheet as because of its location at the bottom of the package and the fact that it likely would be the only cover sheet left once all the other cover sheets were removed that would be capable of being peeled back by a consumer, no direction of use (e.g., by means of the overlap) is necessary for the consumer.
As such, cover sheet 14a may be smaller than other cover sheets 14b, 14c, and 14d that include the area of overlapping regions 15a, 15b, and 15c.
Though four (4) containers are shown in the packages of figures herein, the present invention contemplates any number of containers (e.g., greater than two) and thus there may be any number of razor cartridges and respective cover sheets considered to also be within the framework of the present invention.
The shape of each of the containers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d outlines the general shape of a razor cartridge. These shapes may be wider than the actual periphery of the razor cartridge within the storage regions such that a consumer can easily access the cartridge once the cover is peeled back or taken off. The razor cartridges are stored such that the blade cutting edge portion (not shown) of each razor cartridge is not at the area of access so as to protect a consumer from unintended contact with the cutting edges of the razor blades.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the razor cartridge dispenser package 20 shown in
In
Referring now to
Thus, the structure and arrangement of the cover sheets together along with the tab-like overhang sections dictate the sequence of use of the razor cartridges or the sequence of removal of cover sheets. For instance, the sequence of use or removal of the cover sheets in the embodiment of
While the tab-like overhang sections are similar to the overhang sections described above in conjunction with
Though the tab-like overhang sections in
The embodiments depicted in
The embodiments of
Referring now to
The covers or cover sheets of the present invention are desirably flexible. However, the covers may potentially be made of a hard plastic or less flexible material (not shown) and in this case they may be lifted off or opened (e.g., like a door) rather than peeled off as described above. They may be lifted off from one or more sides and may be mechanically or otherwise attached to the individual containers; for instance via hinges.
The covers of the present invention may desirably be removed completely, however even if they are not, the opening provided by removing or lifting the cover (whether the cover is capable of being removed completely or not from the individual container) should be adequate to allow access to the razor cartridge disposed inside.
The covers or cover sheets and the containers of the present invention may be transparent, opaque, colored or any combination thereof. With a transparent or partially transparent cover sheet or container, a user is able to view the razor product at the point of purchase while simultaneously providing mechanical and environmental protection to the cartridge.
The containers in the present invention may be formed or molded using a plastic such as a polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or any other suitable plastic, elastomer, or derivative thereof. The polypropylene material is generally a thick material and in many instances, thicker than thermoformed PET material and therefore provides both mechanical and environmental protection as described above for the razor cartridges inside the dispenser. The containers may be made of any material that is effective at protecting mechanical aspects of the razor cartridge nor preventing environmental entrants. Accordingly, if a container were made with cardboard, it may also need to be combined with additional materials to produce a container that is more robust, such as with plastics or other types of materials.
The present invention keeps the natural or neutral position of the pivot point and other mechanical attributes intact after the razor cartridge is placed in its individual storage area in the dispenser. The package can sustain significant outside forces, pressure, drops, etc. and will remain intact, as well as inhibit movement of the razor cartridge inside. By keeping the razor cartridge position intact, it is well protected during transport and storage such that the pivot point is not pushed, offset or forced to be disposed in a different position, and does not cause damage. Hence, the razor cartridge is functional and the consumer is not disappointed at the time of use.
The present invention may have packages that are manufactured or integrally molded as a single component such that the individual containers are attached but are not removable or detachable from each other in that there is no capability to detach or tear-off one from the other.
With a plurality of containers, the containers may be connected together in any fashion and with any number of containers and covers desired or required. For instance, while
Having multiple razor cartridges in a package, though desirable, may present a risk to the pivot position of each cartridge, unless the cartridges, as described herein, are suitably spaced apart. The mechanical protection in the present invention includes protecting the mechanical aspects of the razor cartridge, such as the pivot mechanism and/or leaf springs. For instance, one important mechanical aspect of a non-disposable razor, such as the Gillette® Venus® Breeze™, is its pivot point and/or leaf spring mechanism of the cartridge. It is desirable to keep the natural position of the pivot points intact from the time the products are placed in the package, along the shipping path from the manufacturer to the retail store, and finally to the consumer's home. The natural position is the position of the cartridge pivot point is the position having no pressure or bias. The package of the present invention may sustain significant outside force, pressure, drops, etc. and still remain intact, as well as inhibit movement of the razor cartridge inside. By keeping the razor cartridge intact, it is well protected during transport and storage. If the pivot point is somehow pushed, offset or forced to be disposed in a different position, it may cause the cartridge leaf spring to be compromised or damaged, and hence the razor cartridge may not be functional in turn leading to consumer disappointment at the time of use.
Additionally, one important environmental aspect considered in the present invention is keeping any soap or lubricant (e.g., “soap wings” attached at top and bottom portions of a cartridge, such as the Gillette Venus Breeze cartridge) intact. Again, the packaging has to be able to sustain the environment and any weather related elements such that the soap wings are not compromised. For instance, steam, moisture, humidity and other environmental entrants can significantly affect the character or chemistry of the soap wings.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A package for razor cartridges comprising:
- a plurality of connected containers wherein each of said plurality of containers is capable of storing at least one razor cartridge; and
- at least one cover removably attached to a top perimeter of each of said plurality of connected containers wherein said covers are coupled so as to direct a sequence of removal of said covers.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein a first cover of a first of said plurality of connected containers overlaps an adjacent second cover of a second of said plurality of connected containers.
3. The package of claim 2 wherein said first cover is removed before said adjacent second cover can be removed.
4. The package of claim 2 wherein said overlap comprises an overlap area less than the area of one of said top perimeters of one of said plurality of connected containers.
5. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover is larger than said top perimeter of said plurality of connected containers.
6. The package of claim 1 wherein said covers comprise a tab.
7. The package of claim 6 wherein a first tab of said cover of a first of said connected containers overlaps with an adjacent cover of a second of said connected containers.
8. The package of claim 6 wherein a first tab of said cover of a first of said connected containers overlaps with an adjacent second tab of a second cover of a second of said connected containers.
9. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover is capable of being peeled off by a user.
10. The package of claim 6 wherein said cover is peeled off via said tab.
11. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover comprises plastic.
12. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover is adhesively sealed onto said top perimeters of each of said plurality of connected containers.
13. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover is transparent, opaque, colored or any combination thereof.
14. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover prevents environmental elements from entering said container with said razor cartridge.
15. The package of claim 1 wherein said cover is flexible.
16. The package of claim 1 wherein said containers are transparent, opaque, colored or any combination thereof.
17. The package of claim 1 wherein each of said containers and each of said covers are integrated.
18. A method of making a razor package comprising the steps of:
- molding a plurality of containers from a plastic material;
- placing a razor cartridge within each of said plurality of containers; and
- sealing a first top perimeter of a first of said plurality of connected containers with a first plastic cover sheet, said first plastic cover sheet overlapping with a second plastic cover sheet sealed onto a second top perimeter of a second of said plurality of connected containers wherein said second container is adjacent said first container.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said overlapping cover sheets direct a sequence of removal of said first cover sheet from said first containers prior to removal of said second cover sheet from said second container.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 15, 2009
Publication Date: Jun 16, 2011
Inventor: Neville Sonnenberg (Newton, MA)
Application Number: 12/637,835
International Classification: A45C 11/00 (20060101); B65B 5/02 (20060101); B65D 83/10 (20060101);