Package with External Sensory Elements
A novel razor cartridge package for storing razor cartridges is disclosed where the package comprises at least one sensory element incorporated onto an exterior surface of the cartridge package. The sensory elements include stimuli to one or more senses: visual, touch, olfactory, auditory, taste, and combinations thereof. The exterior package sensory elements or stimuli may correspond to characteristics and/or indicia of use of the razor cartridges and thus assist in communicating these characteristics and/or uses of the razor cartridge to a user to enhance or improve the shaving experience.
This invention relates to packaging elements and, and more particularly to razor cartridge packaging elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCurrent razor cartridge packages include plastic containers with a storage region for each cartridge. These packages are useful for storing new razor cartridges for later use. 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.
In many instances, when a consumer purchases a razor system package, there is a razor cartridge package or dispenser package with additional razor cartridges placed inside the system package. Typically, once an outer razor system package is opened, there is a tendency for the consumer to throw away the package or recycle it, keeping only the blade and the dispenser package with the extra razor cartridges. Thus, any information provided about the features of the particular razor product, if any were on the outer package, would be gone. Further, detailed information about the razor characteristics and usage are typically not found on either the outer packages for razor system products or on the dispenser packages.
With more and more features being included in razor systems and razor cartridges, there is a need to provide more information to the user to improve and enhance their shaving experience at each use.
There is a need to provide a unique package and method of packaging suitable for both male and female razor cartridges enabling the consumer to be better informed about the razor products and better optimize their safety and razor cartridge consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the present invention, a novel razor cartridge package includes at least one sensory element incorporated onto at least one exterior surface of the cartridge package, the cartridge package storing at least one razor cartridge.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a package includes at least one sensory element incorporated onto at least one exterior surface of the package. The sensory element of the present invention provides a stimulus to one or more senses selected from the group consisting of: visual, olfactory, touch, auditory, and taste or any combination thereof. The package may include at least one container for storing one or more items selected from the group consisting of razor cartridges, tooth brush heads, batteries, feminine/personal care (e.g., tampons), baby care, health care, home care (e.g., dryer sheets, Swiffer® replacement sheets, etc.), beauty care, and pet care.
The invention provides a method of making a razor cartridge package incorporating at least one sensory element onto at least one exterior surface of the cartridge package. The sensory element provides a stimulus to one or more senses selected from the group consisting of: visual, olfactory, touch, auditory, and taste or any combination thereof.
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:
A novel package (e.g., a razor cartridge package) for storing items (e.g., razor cartridges) is disclosed where the package comprises at least one sensory element incorporated onto an exterior surface of the package.
The term “incorporated in” or “incorporated into” as used in the present invention with regard to the fragrance shall signify that the fragrance is “integrated with”, “disposed on,” “disposed within,” or “placed into” a package; accordingly, these equivalent terms may be used interchangeably.
The sensory elements include stimuli to one or more senses: visual, touch, olfactory, auditory, taste, and combinations thereof. The exterior package sensory elements or stimuli may correspond to characteristics and/or indicia of use of the razor cartridges and thus assist in communicating these characteristics and/or use of said razor cartridge to a user. The exterior package sensory elements or stimuli may also correspond to communicating other items which may not directly relate to characteristics or usage of a cartridge, but which would enhance or improve the shaving experience for a user.
A visual sensory element in the present invention may be any item or element depending on the sense of sight. Such items may include graphics and/or text or any combination thereof. Graphics may include pictures, charts, or other presentations that appeal to the sense of sight. A graphic, for instance, may include a hologram for showing a three dimensional image.
A touch sensory element in the present invention may be any item or element depending on the sense of touch. Such items may include the hand, finger, etc., coming into contact with or feeling something on a package exterior and/or the sense perceived by that contact.
An olfactory sensory element in the present invention may be any item or element depending on the sense of smell where an odor or scent is perceived through the nose by means of the olfactory nerves. Such items may include a fragrance which may include scents of fruit, berries, flowers, mint, outdoors (e.g., grass, rain, meadows, pine forest), a commercially available fragrance (e.g., a fine or prestige fragrance), a spice scent specific to a distinct market/country or holiday, a new car smell, or the smell of food or drink (e.g., cookies, pies, coffee).
The term “fragrance” is used herein to signify the quality of having a “scent,” however, the terms “fragrance” and “scent” may be used interchangeably.
An auditory sensory element in the present invention may be any item that pertains to the sense of hearing or perceiving sounds by the ears. Such items may include a sound or sounds, tones, music, musical tones, vocal utterances, noise or noises, vibrations, or the like.
A taste sensory element in the present invention may be any item that pertains to the sense of tasting or perceiving or distinguishing the flavor or quality of something by using the mouth. Such items may include food or candy of any flavor.
Depending on the type of sensory element, any suitable process or means of incorporating, disposing, affixing, attaching, or coupling the sensory element onto a portion of the exterior surface of a cartridge package is contemplated in the instant invention.
Referring now to
The sticker may be disposed on any outer or exterior surface of the dispenser package and may be made of any type of plastic and adhesively sealed (e.g., via automated, mechanical means) onto the exterior surface of the dispenser package. The sticker may be contiguous or composed of multiple pieces.
Sticker 12 on package 10 in
Referring now to graphic 12b on sticker 12 there is shown a razor cartridge having a lubrastrip of a certain color 12b′ (e.g., yellow) different than color 12a′, the numeral 2, and the word “Fading”. Thus, graphic 12b communicates to a user how a lubrastrip should appear when it is fading or wearing away. In this instance, showing the color change in the lubrastrip between graphic 12a and 12b provides this information to the user.
Graphic 12c on sticker 12 shows a razor cartridge having a lubrastrip of a certain color 12c′ (e.g., red) different than color 12a′ and 12b′, adjacent to a man's face 13c, the numeral 3, and the word “Change”. The man's face 13c in graphic 12c is depicted with a frown. Thus, graphic 12c communicates to a user how a lubrastrip should appear when the lubrastrip is worn and it is time for the razor cartridge to be changed. By showing the color change in the lubrastrip between graphic 12b and 12c, graphic 12c provides the user information for when to change the razor cartridge to maintain optimal blade performance and how best to use the razor cartridge.
Graphic 12d is shown to include a new razor cartridge having a lubrastrip of a certain color 12d′ (e.g., green) which in the present invention may be the same color as depicted in graphic 12a, adjacent to a man's face 13d, the numeral 4, and the phrase “Fresh blade, better shave.” The man's face is depicted with a smile (similar to graphic 12a). Thus, graphic 12d communicates to a user how a lubrastrip should appear when it needs to be replaced with a new razor cartridge and by showing the man 13d in graphic 12d with a smile and by providing the phrase “fresh blade, better shave”, this provides a signal and information to a user that the newly replaced razor cartridge will provide a better shave than the one in graphic 12c.
In summation, FIG. 1's sticker 12 and graphics 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d aptly provide indicia and communicate the stages of wear or use of a razor cartridge by featuring colors of the universally known traffic light signal as it changes from green to yellow to red with the red serving as a signal to replace the cartridge with a new one to maintain optimal performance and safety. Thus, a user who may have been confused or wary about the proper time to change their razor cartridge, now has ample information provided by sticker 12 as described above to optimize his/her consumption and safety (e.g., graphics which indicate lubrastrip color change and time to change) so there is no under-utilization or over-utilization of each razor cartridge.
The graphics of the present invention may be any graphic effective at communicating to a user. For instance, the graphics of
Graphics such as those described herein may also beneficially inspire users to pay more attention to how the cartridge blades feel against their skin during each subsequent use.
On the contrary, in the prior art dispenser package with no sensory elements provided on the exterior of the dispenser package, the color change of the lubrastrip and the time to change the razor cartridges or any other feature desired to be called out, are not clearly communicated to the user and the user's knowledge may be based on a recall of past experiences or perhaps a recall of information of the outer package and eventually guesswork as time goes by. Thus, by providing this sensory element to the exterior surface of the dispenser package, this provides an unexpected resulting benefit for the user by taking the guesswork out. This is because the user now has these trusted, easy to interpret and eye-catching graphics and information at his/her disposal at each subsequent use of a razor cartridge and not only when he purchases the product at a store or at the time of first opening of the razor package. Furthermore, this benefit is achieved without requiring a new routine, a new way of thinking, or extra work for the consumer.
In addition, this unique package having sensory elements incorporated on its exterior surface is very beneficial when new razor products with new features are debuted; a sticker or other means for conveying the new characteristics and other information to the user would improve the shaving experience and optimize safety and cartridge consumption for the user.
The present invention contemplates providing any type of visual messages or communication corresponding to the characteristics and suggested use of the razor cartridge disposed or incorporated onto any exterior surface of a dispenser package.
For instance, another example of a visual sensory element is shown in
Sticker 22 of
Therefore, each graphic in
The sticker 22 of
While the message or communication of the present invention may include graphics and text or words incorporated onto the exterior surface of a dispenser package as described above in conjunction with
Referring now to
It should be noted that sensory element areas 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d in
The smell stimuli of the present invention may be any item or items incorporated onto the exterior surface 32 of package 30 where an odor or scent is perceived through the nose of a user by means of the olfactory nerves. For instance, as shown in
Additionally, sensory area 34 may provide touch stimuli. For instance, area 34 of the present invention may include but is not limited to, a lotion, cream, shaving aid, and as such may, when placed on skin, (e.g., the hand, face, neck, legs, etc.), improves the user's shave or conditions their skin and/or further enhances their shaving experience. Area 34 may be a wet or dry wipe that is peeled off the cover for use either before or after shaving.
While a quadruple package 30 is shown in
Referring now to
As mentioned above with
Any of the sensory elements in
Referring now to
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, any number of sensory elements or combination thereof may be incorporated onto any portion of the exterior surface of the razor cartridge packages and the package itself may be comprised of one, two, three, four, five or more razor cartridge containers.
The novel aspect of the present invention of incorporating a sensory element to the exterior surface of a razor cartridge package may be extended to other types of packages beyond dispenser packages for razor cartridges described above. For instance, any product that includes disposable parts or consumables and requires a user to purchase refills or other consumables may be contemplated in the present invention. Such packages may include, but are not limited to, products such as tooth brush heads, batteries, feminine care products (e.g., tampons), baby care products, health care products, home care products (e.g., dryer sheets, Swiffer® replacement sheets, etc.), beauty care products, and pet care products.
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 razor cartridge package comprising at least one sensory element incorporated onto at least one exterior surface of said cartridge package, said cartridge package storing a plurality of razor cartridges wherein said sensory element communicates one or more characteristics of at least one cartridge of said plurality of razor cartridges to a user.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein said sensory element provides a stimulus to one or more senses selected from the group consisting of visual, olfactory, touch, auditory, taste and combinations thereof.
3. The package of claim 1 wherein said sensory element communicates one or more characteristics of at least one razor cartridge plurality of razor cartridges to a user.
4. The package of claim 1 wherein said sensory element communicates usage of said a plurality of razor cartridges to a user.
5. The package of claim 1 wherein said sensory element enhances the shaving experience for a user.
6. The package of claim 2 wherein said visual sensory element comprises graphics, text, or any combination thereof.
7. The package of claim 6 wherein said cartridge package comprises a plurality of razor cartridges.
8. The package of claim 2 wherein said visual sensory element directs a sequence of use of said plurality of cartridges.
9. The package of claim 2 wherein said olfactory sensory element comprises a fragrance.
10. The package of claim 9 wherein said fragrance is selected from the group consisting of essential oils, perfumes, formulations, sachets, and combinations thereof.
11. The package of claim 2 wherein said auditory sensory element is a sound selected from the group consisting of a tone, music, vocal utterances, noise, and combinations thereof.
12. The package of claim 2 wherein said taste sensory element is selected from the group consisting of pieces of food, candy, mint, gum, liquid, and combinations thereof.
13. The package of claim 2 wherein said touch sensory element is a feeling selected from the group consisting of smoothness, roughness, softness, furriness, and combinations thereof.
14. The package of claim 1 further comprising at least one container for storing each of said plurality of cartridges and at least one cover for each of said at least one containers.
15. The package of claim 14 wherein said at least one sensory element is incorporated on an exterior surface of said at least one cover.
16. The package of claim 14 wherein said at least one cover comprises a plastic seal.
17. A package comprising at least one sensory element incorporated onto at least one exterior surface of said package wherein said package further comprises at least one container for storing one or more items selected from the group consisting of razor cartridges, tooth brush heads, batteries, feminine care products (e.g., tampons), baby care products, health care products, home care products (e.g., dryer sheets, Swiffer® replacement sheets, etc.), beauty care products, and pet care products.
18. The package of claim 17 wherein said sensory element provides a stimulus to one or more senses selected from the group consisting of visual, olfactory, touch, auditory, taste, and combinations thereof.
19. A method of making a razor cartridge package comprising incorporating at least one sensory element onto at least one exterior surface of said cartridge package wherein said sensory element communicates one or more characteristics or usage of at least one cartridge of said plurality of razor cartridges to a user.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein said at least one sensory element provides a stimulus to one or more senses selected from the group consisting of visual, olfactory, touch, auditory, and taste or any combination thereof.
21. An array of graphics disposed on a razor cartridge package, the array comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to stages of wear of a razor cartridge.
22. The array of graphics of claim 21 wherein said sequence of designs further comprises a first indicia depicting a happy face associated with a razor cartridge with a lubrastrip having a first color;
- a second indicia depicting a neutral face associated with said razor cartridge having a second color on said lubrastrip;
- a third indicia depicting a sad face associated with said razor cartridge having a third color on said lubrastrip; and
- a fourth indicia depicting said happy face associated with said razor cartridge having said first color on said lubrastrip.
23. The array of graphics of claim 21 wherein said sequence of designs further comprises
- a first indicia depicting a check mark associated with a razor cartridge with a lubrastrip having a first color;
- a second indicia depicting a question mark associated with said razor cartridge having a second color on said lubrastrip;
- a third indicia depicting a trash can associated with said razor cartridge having a third color on said lubrastrip; and
- a fourth indicia depicting said check mark associated with said razor cartridge having said first color on said lubrastrip.
24. An array of graphics disposed on a razor cartridge package, said razor package comprises a plurality of razor cartridges, the array comprising a sequence of designs corresponding to a characteristic of at least one of said razor cartridges in said package.
25. The array of graphics of claim 1 or 24 wherein said characteristic of said at least one cartridge changes with use.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 15, 2009
Publication Date: Jun 16, 2011
Inventor: Stanley Michael Marcinkowski (Peabody, MA)
Application Number: 12/637,849
International Classification: B65D 85/00 (20060101); B65D 25/20 (20060101);