CONSUMER PRODUCT PACKAGE

A consumer product package includes a package body that has a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, a first cavity having a display surface such that the display surface is disposed between the front and back walls to contain a first consumer product, and a closure slot disposed between the front wall and the display surface; and a lid pivotally connected to the package body opposite the front wall. The lid includes an opening tab positioned along an edge of the lid and an opening flap positioned along the edge of the lid. The lid is pivotable between at least an open position and a closed position, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is received within the closure slot, and when disposed within the closure slot, the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The consumer products industry is continually releasing a variety of new and improved consumer products such as for example, cosmetic products, to provide the consumer a variety of functional and technical benefits. As such, there is a need for improved consumer product packages designed to contain such consumer products. As an example, there is a need for consumer product packages having lids that are easy to open.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a package for a consumer product having a package body that includes a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, a first cavity having a display surface such that the display surface is disposed between the front and back walls to contain a first consumer product, and a closure slot disposed between the front wall and the display surface; and a lid pivotally connected to the package body opposite the front wall. The lid includes an opening tab positioned along an edge of the lid and an opening flap positioned along the edge of the lid. The lid is pivotable between at least an open position and a closed position, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is received within the closure slot, and wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N.

In another embodiment, a package for a consumer product includes a package body having a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, a first cavity having a display surface such that the display surface is disposed between the front and back walls to contain a first consumer product, and a closure slot disposed between the front wall and the display surface; and a lid hingedly connected to the package body opposite the front wall. The lid includes a lid body, an opening tab centrally positioned along an edge of the lid body, and an opening flap centrally positioned along the edge of the lid body. The lid is movable between at least an open position and a closed position, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is disposed within the closure slot, wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the package has an Average Lift Force of about 0.01 N to about 2.3 N to remove the opening flap from the closure slot, and wherein the package comprises wood pulp, compressed fiber board.

In yet another embodiment, a consumer product package includes a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, two opposed side walls connecting the front and back walls, a bottom wall connected to the front, back, and two opposed walls, a top wall connected to the front, back, and two opposed walls, a package body cavity disposed within the top wall, and a closure slot disposed in the top wall, adjacent to the front wall. The package also includes a tray disposed within the package body cavity, wherein the tray includes a first product cavity and a display surface angled downwardly within the first product cavity from the front wall to the back wall of the package body, and wherein the first product cavity and display surface are constructed to receive a consumer product. The package further includes a lid pivotally connected to the package body opposite the front wall, wherein the lid includes a lid body having two substrates adhered together, an opening tab centrally positioned along an edge of the lid body and an opening flap centrally positioned along the edge of the lid body, wherein a flap length is from about 20% to about 35% of the total length of the front wall. The lid is pivotable between at least an open position and a closed position, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is received within the closure slot and wherein the package body comprises wood pulp, compressed fiber board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a consumer package in an open position according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the consumer package of FIG. 1, wherein the package is in a closed position according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the consumer package of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the consumer package of FIG. 1, wherein the package is in a closed position and orientated in an upright position; and

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a consumer package in an open position according to one or more embodiments.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this specification using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). No term is intended to be essential unless so stated. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such a claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a package for a consumer product shown as 1. The package 1 includes a package body 10 and a lid 20 pivotally connected to the package body 10. In some embodiments, the package 1, including one or both of the package body 10 and lid 20, are fabricated or constructed from a wood pulp, compressed fiber board. For example, in some embodiments, the fiber board is selected from the group consisting of coated unbleached Kraft paperboard (CUK), clay natural Kraft paperboard, solid unbleached sulfate paperboard, bleached paperboard, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fiber board used to fabricate the package 1, including the package body 10 and/or the lid 20, may have a caliper from about 0.01 inches to about 0.030 inches.

In some embodiments, the package 1 is fabricated or constructed from plastic using an injection molding process. In some embodiments, the package, including the package body 10 and/or lid 20, may be fabricated and/or constructed from one or more polymers, metals, composites, papers, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the package 1, i.e., package body 10 and/or lid body 20, is fabricated and/or constructed from one or more plastics via plastic injection molding or thermoforming process.

In the embodiment shown, the package body 20 includes a front wall 12, a back wall 14 opposite the front wall, and two opposed side walls 16a, 16b. In some embodiments, and shown in this example, the package body 10 may also include a top wall 18 that is connected between and/or to the front, back, and two opposed side walls 12, 14, and 16a, 16b, respectively. The top wall 18 may include a first cavity 30 disposed therein and constructed to contain a first consumer product 60 as shown in FIG. 3. Although not shown, the package body 10 also includes a bottom wall that is connected between and/or to the front, back, and two opposed side walls 12, 14, and 16a, 16b, respectively, in an orientation substantially parallel to the top wall 18. In some embodiments, it is understood that the package body 10 may not include the front wall 12, back wall 14, one or both of the two opposed side walls 16a, 16b, top wall 18, bottom wall, and/or any combinations thereof.

The top wall 18, in the embodiment shown in the figures, includes a closure slot 50 disposed within the top wall 18 adjacent to the front wall 12. In some embodiments, the slot is an elongated, narrow slot as shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first cavity 30 includes a display surface 32 that is disposed between the front, back, and two opposed side walls 16a, 16b such that it extends at a downward angle from the front wall toward the back wall. The display surface 32 does not have to be directly connected to the front wall and/or the back wall in this embodiment. For example, the display surface 32 extends at a downward angle or linear slope from an upper, front edge 34 of the first cavity 30, adjacent the front wall 12, to a distance below an upper, back edge 36 of the first cavity 30, adjacent the back wall 14. Alternatively, the display surface 32 angles upward (i.e., a positive slope) from the bottom wall, adjacent the back wall 14, within the first cavity 30 to the upper, front edge 34 of the first cavity 30, adjacent the front wall 12. The first cavity 30 and/or the display surface 32 may be constructed to receive the first consumer product 60.

The angle α is constructed to position the consumer product (e.g., 60) within the first cavity 30 such that the consumer product is always at an easily accessible plane for the consumer when the lid 20 is in the open position. As an example, the angle α that the display surface 32 extends downward from the front, upper edge 34 toward the back, upper edge 36 is from about 0.5 degrees to about 45 degrees, from about 0.5 degrees to about 30 degrees, from about 0.5 degrees to about 20, or from about 14 to about 16 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α is about 15.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the display surface 32 may be disposed in a horizontal orientation, i.e., the angle α is about 0 degrees. In other embodiments, the display surface may be the top wall. In some embodiments, the first cavity 30 may not include a display surface. In other words, the first consumer product 60 may rest upon the bottom wall of first cavity 30, which may or may not be the bottom wall of the package body 10.

The display surface 32 may include a slot 38 disposed therein that is constructed to receive and hold the first consumer product 60 in place until a user removes one or more of the consumer product 60. The slot 38, as shown in FIG. 3, may comprise a retention flap that is integrated into and integral to the display surface 32. The slot 38 and/or retention flap 39, in some embodiments, may move up and down at angle (e.g., angle α) at the line (i.e., a hinge point) where the retention flap 39 extends from the display surface 32. The slot and/or retention flap may be constructed to exert a downward force onto the first consumer product 60 inserted into the slot. In some embodiments, the force equals from about 0.05 N to about 3 N or from about 0.2 N to about 1.5 N. In some embodiments, the slot 38 and/or retention flap 39 moves up and down (e.g., at angle α) away and against the consumer product 60, thus applying the force set forth above.

In some embodiments, the package body 10 may further include a second cavity 40 disposed within the top wall 18. The second cavity 40 may be constructed to contain a second consumer product (not shown). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second cavity has an elongated shape with one end rounded to provide an access aperture 42 to permit a user to gain access such as, for example, with a tip of a finger, to the second consumer product contained within the second cavity 40. The second cavity 40 may be positioned adjacent to the first cavity 30 along the top wall 18.

In some embodiments, the second cavity 40 may also include a display surface similar to or the same as the display surface 32 of the first cavity 30. In some embodiments, such as the one shown in the figures, the second cavity 40 may not include an angled display surface at all. In other words, the second consumer product rests upon the bottom wall of the second cavity 40, which may or may not be the bottom wall of the package body 10.

The package body 10 may further include a first upright end 56, a second upright end opposite the first upright end, and one or more base protrusions 52, 54 that extend from one of the first upright end 56 or second upright end 58, whichever end is closest to the center of gravity of the package 1 when the package 1 is standing on the first upright end 56 or second upright end 58. In some embodiments, the heavier consumer product is the second consumer product that is held or contained within the second cavity 40 compared to the first consumer product 60 held or contained within the first cavity 30. As such, the base protrusions 52, 54 extend from the first upright end 56 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 since the center of gravity of the package 1 is closest to the second cavity 40 and thus the first upright end 56. As constructed, the one or more base protrusions 52, 54 provide additional support for the package 1, enabling it to stand upright on its first upright end 56 as shown in FIG. 4. This provides the package 1 with an enlarged shelf presence by allowing the entire surface area of a top surface 21 of lid 20 to be presented and visible on the shelf to consumers. The top surface 21 of the lid 20 may include branding, product title, advertising, product instructions, advertising claims, product claims, and/or any other graphics, information, text, etc., as desired.

The first and second consumer products may be any consumer product. In some embodiments the first and second consumer products may be complimentary to each other. In some embodiments, the first and second consumer products may be configured and/or adapted to be used as a regimen or part of a regimen. In some embodiments, the consumer product is selected from the group consisting of one or more compositions, one or more substrates, and combinations thereof. The one or more compositions may include, but not be limited to, liquids, gels, pastes, powders, and/or other forms of consumer product compositions. The one or more substrates may include, but not be limited to wipes, patches, strips, and other forms of substrates used for applying, delivering, and/or removing consumer products to or from an object or a person. In some embodiments, the consumer products such as, for example, the plurality of substrates and/or patches may be provided in sheet single use form.

The lid 20 of the package 1 includes a lid body 22 that is pivotally connected to the package body 10. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the lid body 22 is hingedly connected to the package body 10 via a hinge 28, e.g., an integral hinge, which is made from the same material as the lid body 22 and package body 10. In some embodiments, the hinge 28 may be a separate and distinct component that may be fixedly and/or detachably connected to the lid body 22 and package body 10.

The lid 20 also includes an opening flap 24 extending substantially perpendicular from an edge 29 of the lid body 22, opposite the hinge 28. This opening flap 24 may be constructed to slide into and/or be received by and within the closure slot 50. In some embodiments, the opening flap 24 is integral to the lid body 22. In some embodiments, the opening flap 24 may be centrally positioned along the edge 29 of the lid body 22 as shown in the FIGS. 1-4. In some embodiments, the opening flap 24 is a distinct component that is attached to the lid body 22. In some embodiments, the opening flap 24 has a flap length (Lf) that is from about 15% to about 50% of the total length (L) of the front wall 12. In some embodiments, the flap length (Lf) is from about 20% to about 35% of the total length (L) of the front wall 12. In some embodiments, when the opening flap 24 is disposed within the closure slot 50, the opening flap 24 engages an inside surface of the front wall 12.

The lid 20 may also include an opening tab 26 that extends from the edge 29 of the lid body 22. In some embodiments, the opening tab 26 is substantially perpendicular to the opening flap 24. In some embodiments, the opening tab 26 may be centrally positioned along the edge 29. In some embodiments, the opening tab 26 may comprise of a plurality of tabs spaced-apart along the edge 29. For example, the lid 20 may include a first opening tab (not shown) disposed at a first end of the edge 29 and a second opening tab (not shown) as a second end of the edge 29, opposite that first end. Similarly, the lid 20 may include one opening flap 24 centrally positioned along the edge 29 combined with the first and second opening tabs or a plurality of opening flaps (not shown) spaced-apart along the edge 29 of the lid body 22. For example, the lid 20 may include a first opening flap (not shown) that is positioned along the edge 29 in an aligned fashion with the first opening tab and a second opening flap (not shown) that is positioned along the edge 29 in an aligned fashion with the second opening tab.

In some embodiments, the lid 20 may include a first substrate and a second substrate combined with the first substrate to form the lid body 22. In some embodiments, the first and second substrates comprise two layers of wood pulp, compressed fiber board adhered to each other. In some embodiments, the lid 20, may be fabricated and/or constructed from one or more layers of one or more polymers, metals, composites, papers, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the lid body 20, is fabricated and/or constructed from one or more layers of one or more plastics via plastic injection molding or thermoforming process.

The opening tab 26 and/or lid 20 may be constructed to receive an upward force F from one or more fingers of a user in order to lift and/or pivot the lid 20 from a close position shown in FIG. 2 to an open position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In some embodiments, when the lid 20 is in the closed position, the opening flap 24 is inserted into, disposed within, and/or received within the closure slot 50. In some embodiments, in order to open the lid 20, the lift force F must be greater than (or overcome) the frictional force between the opening flap 26 and the inside surface of the front wall 12.

As used herein, ‘Initial Lift Force’ means a lift force necessary to open a lid of a virgin package (e.g., remove opening flap 24 from closure slot 50) for the first time and measured in accordance with the Method of Measuring Average Initial Lift Force described below herein. As used herein, ‘Average Initial Lift Force’ or ‘Average Lift Force’ means an average of the Initial Lift Forces measured for five (5) sample packages of a single package design in accordance with the Method of Measuring Average Initial Lift Force described below herein.

In some embodiments, the package 1 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N. In some embodiments, the package 1 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.01 N to about 2.3 N. In some embodiments, the package 10 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.1 N to about 2.3 N. In some embodiments, the package 10 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.4 N to about 2.1 N. In some embodiments, the package 10 has an Average Initial Lift Force F equal to 1.228 N having a standard deviation of 0.840.

Referring to FIG. 5, a package for a consumer product is shown as 100. The package 100 includes a package body 110 and a lid 120 pivotally connected to the package body 110. In some embodiments, the package 100, including one or both of the package body 110 and lid 120, are fabricated or constructed from a wood pulp, compressed fiber board. For example, in some embodiments, the fiber board is selected from the group consisting of coated unbleached Kraft paperboard (CUK), clay natural Kraft paperboard, solid unbleached sulfate paperboard, bleached paperboard, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fiber board used to fabricate the package 1, including the package body 10 and/or the lid 20, may have a caliper from about 0.01 inches to about 0.030 inches.

In some embodiments, the package 100, including the package body 110 and/or lid 120, may be fabricated and/or constructed from one or more polymers, metals, composites, papers, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the package 100, i.e., package body 110 and/or lid body 120, is fabricated and/or constructed from one or more plastics via plastic injection molding or thermoforming process.

The package body 110 includes a front wall 112, a back wall 114 opposite the front wall, and two opposed side walls 116a, 116b connecting the front and back walls, a bottom wall (not shown) connected to the front, back, and two opposed walls. In some embodiments, and shown in this example, the package body 10 may also include a top wall 118 that is connected between and/or to the front, back, and two opposed side walls 112, 114, and 116a, 116b, respectively. As shown, the package body 110 also includes a package body cavity 119 disposed within the top wall 118 between the front, back, and two opposed side walls 112, 114, and 116a, 116b. The package body 110 further includes a closure slot 150 disposed in the top wall 118, adjacent to the front wall 112 and/or between the front wall and the package body cavity 119.

Although not shown, the package body 110 also includes a bottom wall that is connected between and/or to the front, back, and two opposed side walls 112, 114, and 116a, 116b, respectively, in an orientation substantially parallel to the top wall 118. In some embodiments, it is understood that the package body 110 may not include the front wall 112, back wall 114, one or both of the two opposed side walls 116a, 116b, top wall 118, bottom wall, and/or any combinations thereof.

The package 100 may also include a tray 170 fixedly or removably disposed within the package body cavity 119. The tray 170 including a first cavity 130 constructed to contain a first consumer product. In some embodiments, the first cavity 130 may include a display surface 132. As shown in FIG. 5, when the tray 170 is disposed within the package body cavity 119, the display surface 132 is disposed between the front, back, and two opposed side walls 112, 114, 116a, 116b such that it extends at a downward angle from the front wall 112 toward the back wall 114. For example, when the tray 170 is disposed within the package body cavity 119, the display surface 132 extends at a downward angle or linear slope within the tray 170 from an upper, front edge 134 of the first cavity 130 adjacent the front wall 112 to a distance below an upper, back edge 136 of the first cavity 130, adjacent the back wall 114. Alternatively, the display surface 132 angles upward (i.e., a positive slope) from a bottom wall of the tray, adjacent the back wall 114, to the upper, front edge 134 of the first cavity 130, adjacent the front wall 112. The first cavity 130 and/or the display surface 132 may be constructed to receive the first consumer product.

The angle α is constructed to position the consumer product (e.g., 60) within the first cavity 130 such that the consumer product is always at an easily accessible plane for the consumer when the lid 120 is in the open position. As an example, the angle α that the display surface 132 extends downward from the front, upper edge 134 toward the back, upper edge 136 from about 0.5 degrees to about 45 degrees, from about 0.5 degrees to about 30 degrees, from about 0.5 degrees to about 20, or from about 14 to about 16 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α is about 15.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the display surface 132 may be disposed in a horizontal orientation, i.e., the angle α is about 0 degrees. In other embodiments, the display surface may be the top wall. In some embodiments, the first cavity 130 may not include a display surface. In other words, the first consumer product may rest upon the bottom wall of first cavity 130, which may or may not be the bottom wall of the package body 110.

The display surface 132 may include a slot 138 disposed therein that is constructed to receive and hold the first consumer product in place until a user removes one or more of the consumer product. The slot 138, as shown in FIG. 5, may comprise a retention flap that is integrated into and integral to the display surface 132. The slot and/or retention flap may be constructed to exert a force down onto the first consumer product inserted into the slot. In some embodiments, the force equals from about 0.05 N to about 3 N or from about 0.2 N to about 1.5 N.

In some embodiments, the tray 170 may further include a second cavity 140 disposed adjacent to the first cavity 130. The second cavity 140 may be constructed to contain a second consumer product (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the second cavity 140 has an elongated shape with one end rounded to provide an access aperture 142 to permit a user to gain access such as, for example, with a tip of a finger, to the second consumer product contained within the second cavity 140.

In some embodiments, the second cavity 140 may also include a display surface similar to or the same as the display surface 132 of the first cavity 130. In some embodiments, such as the one shown in the figures, the second cavity 140 may not include an angled display surface at all. In other words, the second consumer product rests upon the bottom wall of the second cavity 140, which may or may not be the bottom wall of the tray 170.

The package body 110 may further include a first upright end 156, a second upright end opposite the first upright end, and one or more base protrusions 152, 154 that extend from one of the first upright end 156 or second upright end 158, whichever end is closest to the center of gravity of the package 100 when the package 100 is standing on the first upright end 156 or second upright end 158. In some embodiments, the heavier consumer product is the second consumer product that is held or contained within the second cavity 140 compared to the first consumer product held or contained within the first cavity 130. As such, the base protrusions 152, 154 extend from the first upright end 156 since the center of gravity of the package 100 is closest to the second cavity 140 and thus the first upright end 156. As constructed, the one or more base protrusions 152, 154 provide additional support for the package 100, enabling it to stand upright on its first upright end 156 (similar to as shown, for example, in FIG. 4). This provide the package 100 with an enlarged shelf presence by allowing the entire surface area of a top surface 121 of lid 120 to be presented and visible on the shelf to consumers. The top surface 121 of the lid 120 may include branding, product title, advertising, product instructions, advertising claims, product claims, and/or any other graphics, information, text, etc., as desired.

The lid 120 of the package 100 includes a lid body 122 that is pivotally connected to the package body 110. Referring to FIG. 5, the lid body 122 is hingedly connected to the package body 110 via a hinge 128, e.g., an integral hinge, which is made from the same material as the lid body 122 and package body 110. In some embodiments, the hinge 128 may be a separate and distinct component that may be fixedly and/or detachably connected to the lid body 122 and package body 110.

The lid 120 also includes an opening flap 124 extending substantially perpendicular from an edge 129 of the lid body 122, opposite the hinge 128. This opening flap 124 may be constructed to slide into and/or be received by and within the closure slot 150. In some embodiments, the opening flap 124 is integral to the lid body 122. In some embodiments, the opening flap 124 may be centrally positioned along the edge 129 of the lid body 122 as shown in the FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the opening flap 124 is a distinct component that is attached to the lid body 122. In some embodiments, the opening flap 124 has a flap length (Lf) that is from about 15% to about 50% of the total length (L) of the front wall 112. In some embodiments, the flap length (Lf) is from about 20% to about 35% of the total length (L) of the front wall 112. In some embodiments, when the opening flap 124 is disposed within the closure slot 150, the opening flap 124 engages an inside surface of the front wall 112.

The lid 120 may also include an opening tab 126 that extends from the edge 129 of the lid body 122. In some embodiments, the opening tab 126 is substantially perpendicular to the opening flap 124. In some embodiments, the opening tab 126 may be centrally positioned along the edge 129. In some embodiments, the opening tab 126 may comprise of a plurality of tabs spaced-apart along the edge 129. For example, the lid 120 may include a first opening tab (not shown) disposed at a first end of the edge 129 and a second opening tab (not shown) as a second end of the edge 129, opposite that first end. Similarly, the lid 120 may include one opening flap 124 centrally positioned along the edge 129 combined with the first and second opening tabs or a plurality of opening flaps (not shown) spaced-apart along the edge 129 of the lid body 122. For example, the lid 120 may include a first opening flap (not shown) that is positioned along the edge 129 in an aligned fashion with the first opening tab and a second opening flap (not shown) that is positioned along the edge 129 in an aligned fashion with the second opening tab.

In some embodiments, the lid 120 may include a first substrate and a second substrate combined with the first substrate to form the lid body 122. In some embodiments, the first and second substrates comprise two layers of wood pulp, compressed fiber board adhered to each other.

The opening tab 126 and/or lid 120 may be constructed to receive an upward force F from one or more fingers of a user in order to lift and/or pivot the lid 120 from a close position (such as shown, for example, in FIG. 2) to an open position (such as shown, for example, in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, when the lid 120 is in the closed position, the opening flap 124 is inserted into, disposed within, and/or received within the closure slot 150. In some embodiments, in order to open the lid 120, the lift force F must be greater than (or overcome) the frictional force between the opening flap 124 and the inside surface of the front wall 112.

In some embodiments, the package 100 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N. In some embodiments, the package 100 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.01 N to about 2.3 N. In some embodiments, the package 100 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.1 N to about 2.3 N. In some embodiments, the package 100 has an Average Initial Lift Force F from about 0.4 N to about 2.1 N. In some embodiments, the package 100 has an Average Initial Lift Force F equal to 1.228 N having a standard deviation of 0.840.

Method of Measuring Average Initial Lift Force of a Lid of a Package:

A Chatillon instrument is used to measure an Initial Lift Force of a package. The Chatillon includes a fixture TLC-0050 having a hook attached or disposed upon its distal end. The Chatillon is set for 0.1 N load cell (i.e., sensitivity) and a speed of 225 mm/min.

For each package design, a sample of five (5) virgin packages of that design are tested using the Initial Lift Force Test Method described herein to measure and/or calculate the Average Initial Lift Force of the package design. Each sample of the package design to be tested is individually connected to the base of the Chatillon and positioned such that when the Chatillon is activated the hook will engage an opening tab (e.g., opening tab 26) of the sample package being tested. If a package design does not include an opening tab, then a slit is provided in the lid of each sample of that design in the middle of the length (L) of the lid (e.g., lid body 22) just inside the front edge (e.g., edge 29) of the lid using a box cutter.

In the package designs with an opening tab, each sample is positioned and connected to the Chatillon such that the hook is positioned just under the opening tab. In the package designs with no opening tab, each sample is positioned and connected to the Chatillon such that the hook is inserted into the slit. Once the sample of a package design is positioned on the Chatillon, the Chatillon as described above, the Chatillon is activated such that the hook moves upward engages the opening tab (or an underside of the lid via the hook being inserted into slit). As the hook engages the opening tab and/or lid, it lifts and begins opening the lid and thus begins moving an opening flap (e.g., opening flap 24) form a closure slot (e.g., closure slot 50) of the package. The Chatillon measures the Initial Lift Force F to open the lid (e.g., opening flap 24 is removed from closure slot 50) for the sample being tested. These steps are repeated for each of the five (5) samples for the package design being tested.

After testing each of the five (5) samples for a single package design, an average of the five (5) Initial Lift Forces is calculated (“Average Initial Lift Force” or “Average Lift Force”) for the specific package design tested.

    • A) A package for a consumer product, the package comprising:
      • a package body comprising:
        • a front wall,
        • a back wall opposite the front wall,
        • a first cavity comprising a display surface such that the display surface is disposed between the front and back walls to contain a first consumer product, and
        • a closure slot disposed between the front wall and the display surface; and
      • a lid pivotally connected to the package body opposite the front wall, the lid comprising:
        • an opening tab positioned along an edge of the lid, and
        • an opening flap positioned along the edge of the lid;
      • wherein the lid is pivotable between at least an open position and a closed position;
      • wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is received within the closure slot;
      • wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N.
    • B) A package for a consumer product, the package comprising:
      • a package body comprising:
        • a front wall,
        • a back wall opposite the front wall,
        • a first cavity comprising a display surface such that the display surface is disposed between the front and back walls to contain a first consumer product, and
        • a closure slot disposed between the front wall and the display surface; and
      • a lid hingedly connected to the package body opposite the front wall, the lid comprising:
        • a lid body,
        • an opening tab centrally positioned along an edge of the lid body, and
        • an opening flap centrally positioned along the edge of the lid body;
      • wherein the lid is movable between at least an open position and a closed position;
      • wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is disposed within the closure slot;
      • wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.01 N to about 2.3 N to remove the opening flap from the closure slot;
      • wherein the package comprises wood pulp, compressed fiber board.
    • C) A package for a consumer product, the package comprising:
      • a package body comprising:
        • a front wall,
        • a back wall opposite the front wall,
        • two opposed side walls connecting the front and back walls,
        • a bottom wall connected to the front, back, and two opposed walls,
        • a top wall connected to the front, back, and two opposed walls,
        • a package body cavity disposed within the top wall, and
        • a closure slot disposed in the top wall, adjacent to the front wall;
      • a tray disposed within the package body cavity, the tray comprising a first product cavity and a display surface angled downwardly within the first product cavity from the front wall to the back wall of the package body, wherein the first product cavity and display surface are constructed to receive a consumer product; and
      • a lid pivotally connected to the package body opposite the front wall, the lid comprising:
        • a lid body comprising two substrates adhered together,
        • an opening tab centrally positioned along an edge of the lid body and
        • an opening flap centrally positioned along the edge of the lid body;
      • wherein a flap length is from about 20% to about 35% of the total length of the front wall;
      • wherein the lid is pivotable between at least an open position and a closed position;
      • wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is received within the closure slot;
      • wherein the package body comprises wood pulp, compressed fiber board.
    • D) The package of any one of paragraphs A-C, wherein the package comprises a wood pulp, compressed fiber board.
    • E) The package of paragraph D, wherein the fiber board is selected from the group consisting of coated unbleached Kraft paperboard (CUK), clay natural Kraft paperboard, solid unbleached sulfate paperboard, bleached paperboard, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, and combinations thereof.
      • F) The package of paragraph D, wherein the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.1 N to about 2.3 N.
      • G) The package of paragraph F, wherein the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.4 N to about 2.1 N.
      • H) The package of any one of paragraphs A-C, wherein the package has an Average Initial Lift Force F equal to 1.228 N having a standard deviation of 0.840.
    • I) The package of any one of paragraphs A-C, wherein the opening tab and opening flap are centrally positioned along the edge of the lid.
    • J) The package of paragraph I, wherein the lid comprises a first substrate and a second substrate combined with the first substrate.
    • K) The package of paragraph J, wherein the first and second substrates comprise two layers of wood pulp, compressed fiber board adhered to each other.
    • L) The package of any one of paragraphs A-C, wherein the display surface is disposed at a downward angle from the front wall toward the back wall.
    • M) The package of paragraph L, wherein the angle is such that the consumer product is always at an easily accessible plane for the consumer when the lid is in the open position.
    • N) The package of paragraph L, wherein the display surface comprises a slot constructed to receive a plurality of substrates.
    • O) The package of paragraph N, wherein the plurality of substrates are a plurality of patches.
    • P) The package of paragraph O, wherein the plurality of patches are provided in sheet single use form.
    • Q) The package of paragraph O, wherein the slot is constructed to include an integrated retention flap constructed to exert a force from about 0.2 N to about 1.5 N on the plurality of substrates received within the flap.
    • R) The package of paragraph L, wherein the package body further comprises a second cavity disposed between the front and back walls and adjacent to the first cavity, the second cavity constructed to contain a second consumer product.
    • S) The package of paragraph R, wherein the package body further comprises an access aperture constructed to provide access to the second consumer product contained within the second cavity.
    • T) The package of paragraph R, wherein the first consumer product and second consumer product are complimentary to each other and are selected from the group consisting of one or more liquid compositions, one or more substrates, and combinations thereof.
    • U) The package of paragraph T, wherein the first and second products are adapted to be used as a regimen.
    • V) The package of paragraph R, further comprising an integral hinge connecting the lid to the package body.
    • W) The package of paragraph R, wherein the package comprises an injection molded package.
    • X) The package of any one of paragraphs A-C, wherein the opening flap has a flap length that is from about 15% to about 50% of the total length of the front wall.
    • Y) The package of paragraph X, wherein the flap length is from about 20% to about 35% of the total length of the front wall.
    • Z) The package of paragraph R, wherein the package body further comprises a first upright end, a second upright end, and one or more base protrusions extending from one of the first upright end or second upright end that is closest to the center of gravity of the package when the package is standing on the first upright end or second upright end.
    • AA) The package of paragraph Y wherein the tray further comprises a second product cavity disposed adjacent the first product cavity within the tray.
    • BB) The package of claim Z, wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the opening flap has a lift force of about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N.

It should be understood that any feature and/or element of any one of the embodiments and/or examples shown and described above herein may be removed from the embodiment and/or example, replaced with a feature or element from another embodiment or example herein or replaced with an equivalent feature or element.

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.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A package for a consumer product, the package comprising:

a package body comprising: a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, a first cavity comprising a display surface such that the display surface is disposed between the front and back walls to contain a first consumer product, and a closure slot disposed between the front wall and the display surface; and
a lid pivotally connected to the package body opposite the front wall, the lid comprising: an opening tab positioned along an edge of the lid, and an opening flap positioned along the edge of the lid;
wherein the lid is pivotable between at least an open position and a closed position;
wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is received within the closure slot;
wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a wood pulp, compressed fiber board.

3. The package of claim 2, wherein the fiber board is selected from the group consisting of coated unbleached Kraft paperboard (CUK), clay natural Kraft paperboard, solid unbleached sulfate paperboard, bleached paperboard, solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard, and combinations thereof.

4. The package of claim 2, wherein the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.1 N to about 2.3 N.

5. The package of claim 4, wherein the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.4 N to about 2.1 N.

6. The package of claim 1, wherein the package has an Average Initial Lift Force F equal to 1.228 N having a standard deviation of 0.840.

7. The package of claim 1, wherein the opening tab and opening flap are centrally positioned along the edge of the lid.

8. The package of claim 7, wherein the lid comprises a first substrate and a second substrate combined with the first substrate.

9. The package of claim 8, wherein the first and second substrates comprise two layers of wood pulp, compressed fiber board adhered to each other.

10. The package of claim 1, wherein the display surface is disposed at a downward angle from the front wall toward the back wall.

11. The package of claim 10, wherein the angle is such that the consumer product is always at an easily accessible plane for the consumer when the lid is in the open position.

12. The package of claim 10, wherein the display surface comprises a slot constructed to receive a plurality of substrates.

13. The package of claim 12, wherein the plurality of substrates are a plurality of patches.

14. The package of claim 13, wherein the plurality of patches are provided in sheet single use form.

15. The package of claim 12, wherein the slot is constructed to include an integrated retention flap constructed to exert a force from about 0.2 N to about 1.5 N on the plurality of substrates received within the flap.

16. The package of claim 10, wherein the package body further comprises a second cavity disposed between the front and back walls and adjacent to the first cavity, the second cavity constructed to contain a second consumer product.

17. The package of claim 16, wherein the package body further comprises an access aperture constructed to provide access to the second consumer product contained within the second cavity.

18. The package of claim 16, wherein the first consumer product and second consumer product are complimentary to each other and are selected from the group consisting of one or more liquid compositions, one or more substrates, and combinations thereof.

19. The package of claim 18, wherein the first and second products are adapted to be used as a regimen.

20. The package of claim 16, further comprising an integral hinge connecting the lid to the package body.

21. The package of claim 16, wherein the package comprises an injection molded package.

22. The package of claim 1, wherein the opening flap has a flap length that is from about 15% to about 50% of the total length of the front wall.

23. The package of claim 22, wherein the flap length is from about 20% to about 35% of the total length of the front wall.

24. The package of claim 10, wherein the package body further comprises a first upright end, a second upright end, and one or more base protrusions extending from one of the first upright end or second upright end that is closest to the center of gravity of the package when the package is standing on the first upright end or second upright end.

25. A package for a consumer product, the package comprising:

a package body comprising: a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, a first cavity comprising a display surface such that the display surface is disposed between the front and back walls to contain a first consumer product, and a closure slot disposed between the front wall and the display surface; and
a lid hingedly connected to the package body opposite the front wall, the lid comprising: a lid body, an opening tab centrally positioned along an edge of the lid body, and an opening flap centrally positioned along the edge of the lid body;
wherein the lid is movable between at least an open position and a closed position;
wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is disposed within the closure slot;
wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the package has an Average Lift Force from about 0.01 N to about 2.3 N to remove the opening flap from the closure slot;
wherein the package comprises wood pulp, compressed fiber board.

26. A package for a consumer product, the package comprising:

a package body comprising: a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, two opposed side walls connecting the front and back walls, a bottom wall connected to the front, back, and two opposed walls, a top wall connected to the front, back, and two opposed walls, a package body cavity disposed within the top wall, and a closure slot disposed in the top wall, adjacent to the front wall;
a tray disposed within the package body cavity, the tray comprising a first product cavity and a display surface angled downwardly within the first product cavity from the front wall to the back wall of the package body, wherein the first product cavity and display surface are constructed to receive a consumer product; and
a lid pivotally connected to the package body opposite the front wall, the lid comprising: a lid body comprising two substrates adhered together, an opening tab centrally positioned along an edge of the lid body and an opening flap centrally positioned along the edge of the lid body;
wherein a flap length is from about 20% to about 35% of the total length of the front wall;
wherein the lid is pivotable between at least an open position and a closed position;
wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the opening flap is received within the closure slot;
wherein the package body comprises wood pulp, compressed fiber board.

27. The package of claim 23 wherein the tray further comprises a second product cavity disposed adjacent the first product cavity within the tray.

28. The package of claim 24, wherein when disposed within the closure slot, the opening flap has a lift force of about 0.01 N to about 4.0 N.

Patent History
Publication number: 20170297802
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 18, 2016
Publication Date: Oct 19, 2017
Inventors: Chanda Janese Davis (Cincinnati, OH), Raniele Janine Jago (Cincinnati, OH), Jeffrey Kyle Werner (Liberty Township, OH)
Application Number: 15/131,755
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 77/20 (20060101); B65D 77/30 (20060101); B65D 43/16 (20060101);