U.S. patent application number 12/637835 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for dispenser package covers.
Invention is credited to Neville Sonnenberg.
Application Number | 20110139648 12/637835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44141723 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110139648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sonnenberg; Neville |
June 16, 2011 |
Dispenser Package Covers
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Sonnenberg; Neville;
(Newton, MA) |
Family ID: |
44141723 |
Appl. No.: |
12/637835 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/354 ;
53/452 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/30 20130101; B65D
21/0204 20130101; B65D 77/2032 20130101; A45D 27/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/354 ;
53/452 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00; B65B 5/02 20060101 B65B005/02; B65D 83/10 20060101
B65D083/10 |
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.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a razor cartridge package suitable
having covers for protectively storing multiple razor
cartridges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Current 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.
[0003] 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 INVENTION
[0004] In 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package of
the present invention showing overlapping cover sheets with
tabs.
[0012] FIG. 1A is a side view of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a side view of FIG. 1 showing a cover sheet
partially removed.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package of
the present invention showing overlapping cover sheets without
tabs.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a side view of FIG. 2 showing partially removed
cover sheets.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package
showing tabs that overlap with adjacent cover sheets in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention with
tab portions overlapping cover sheets.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
FIG. 4 of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package in
accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention
showing overlapping tab portions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] 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.
[0021] For purposes of the present invention, the terms "cover" and
"cover sheet(s)" may be used interchangeably herein.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention, there is shown a quadruple razor cartridge
package 10 including formed or molded plastic first, second, third
and fourth containers, 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, respectively, covers
or cover sheets 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d for each container respectively
capable of covering razor cartridges 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, (shown
with dotted lines) respectively which are stored within storage
regions inside containers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, respectively.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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).
[0026] 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.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, by peeling back the cover sheets 14a,
14b, 14c, 14d (by use of the tabs 11a, 11b, 11c, lid if present) a
consumer is able to individually open the containers 12a, 12b, 12c,
12d to access each razor cartridge as it is needed. In a novel
aspect of the present invention, the adjacent covers are arranged
such that they overlap with each other in such a way as to direct a
consumer to remove the covers in a predetermined sequence (e.g.,
direct the order of use of the razor cartridges). The cover
sections or areas that overlap are represented by shaded overlap
regions 15a, 15b, and 15c in FIG. 1. Each overlap region or area,
as shown in FIG. 1, may be desirably of a smaller area than the
total area of the top perimeter of the adjacent container.
[0028] 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 FIG. 1B, cover
sheet 14d will desirably be the first cover sheet that the consumer
is capable of peeling back (using tab lid in this example) as it
essentially has the top overlap area. The way the cover sheets are
coupled together, cover sheet 14c may not be peeled back first,
since by doing so, both cover sheet 14d and 14c (e.g., two cover
sheets at one time) would come off exposing two razor cartridges
16c and 16d which, unless two cartridges are needed by the
consumer, is not a desired outcome.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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. FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of the
package of FIG. 1 showing cover sheets 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d with
overlapping regions 15a, 15b, and 15c. While FIG. 1A depicts the
overlapping nature of the cover sheets, it also shows how the
length of cover sheet 14a may be smaller than the other cover
sheets. Additionally, in FIG. 1B, it can be seen clearly how cover
sheet 14d is necessarily the first cover sheet that may be taken
off by a consumer. In this instance, tab 11d is pulled up and back
(shown by arrow 13d) to peel off cover sheet 14d leaving the
remaining cover sheets 14a, 14b, and 14c intact for later use. The
second next cover sheet to be taken off in the present invention
would necessarily be cover sheet 14c; and the third next after that
would be cover sheet 14b, and the fourth next after that would be
the remaining cover sheet 14a. Thus it can be seen how the
overlapping cover sheets of the present invention dictate the order
of use or the sequence of use of the razor cartridges.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the razor
cartridge dispenser package 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes cover
sheets 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d which may be made of a flexible
plastic material as described above in conjunction with FIG. 1 for
covering containers 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d respectively. The covers
in FIG. 2 are shown arranged or coupled together with overlapping
areas 25a, 25b, and 25c as in FIG. 1 except the covers in FIG. 2
are shown without side tabs. Despite the lack of side tabs, the
covers in FIG. 2 are coupled together similarly and capable of
being peeled back or off (as will be described below) as in FIG. 1
and in the same order as in FIG. 1 since the cover sheets overlap
in the same manner (e.g., top to bottom); cover sheet 24d overlaps
cover sheet 24c at overlap area 25c, cover sheet 24c overlaps with
cover sheet 24b at overlap area 25b, and cover sheet 24b overlaps
with cover sheet 24a at overlap area 25a.
[0034] In FIG. 2, cover sheets are shown each having a respective
overhanging section 24d', 24c', 24b', and 24a' which may function
as the portion of the cover the user would tug on to peel off the
cover sheet. These overhanging sections may desirably encompass
about the same area as the overlap areas however the present
invention contemplates that the overhanging section may be also be
slightly larger. The lower portions of each of the overhanging
sections may not be adhesively sealed onto the container or
adjacent cover sheets to provide easy lifting for the user. It
should be noted that FIG. 2 depicts an overhanging section 24a' for
the last cover sheet 24a but no overlap area for reasons discussed
in conjunction with FIG. 1. Thus, cover sheet 24a may be
substantially the same size as the other cover sheets.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a side view of FIG. 2 is provided
clearly depicting the partially removed overlapping cover sheets
which dictate the order of use of the razor cartridges inside.
Cover sheet 24d necessarily is first to come off via a pulling back
or peeling off of overhang section 24d' as shown by arrow 23d.
Similarly, cover sheet 24c is second in the sequence to come off
via a pulling back at arrow 23c of overhang section 24c' shown.
Cover sheet 24b is third in the sequence to come off via a pulling
back of overhang section 24b' as shown by arrow 23b. Cover sheet
24a is fourth and last in the sequence to come off via a pulling
back of overhang section 24a' as shown by arrow 23a. It should be
noted, however, that overhang section 24a' of cover sheet 24a may
not be overlapping with an adjacent cover sheet as there would be
no remaining adjacent cover sheet at the point in time when
overhang section 24a' would need to be pulled since cover sheet 24a
would be the last cover sheet remaining.
[0036] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention in which dispenser package 30
is shown to include four containers 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d having
cover sheets 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, respectively and centrally
located tab-like overhang sections 34a', 32b', 32c', and 32d'
extending from each cover sheet respectively. Tab-like overhang
section 34d' of cover sheet 34d overhangs or overlaps onto cover
sheet 34c. Tab-like overhang section 34c' of cover sheet 34c
overhangs or overlaps onto cover sheet 34b. Tab-like overhang
section 34b' of cover sheet 34b overhangs or overlaps onto cover
sheet 34a.
[0037] 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 FIG. 3 is similar to that of
FIG. 2 in that the first to be removed is the top cover sheet 34d
via tab-like overhang section 34d', the second to be removed is
cover sheet 34c via tab 34c', the third removed is cover sheet 34b
via 34b; and then the fourth and last to be removed is cover sheet
34a via 34a' and this is also dictated by the overlapping nature of
the tab-like overhang sections. It should be noted, however, that
tab-like overhang section 34a' of cover sheet 34a may not be
overlapping with an adjacent cover sheet as there would be no
remaining adjacent cover sheet for it to overlap onto at the point
in time when tab 34a' would need to be used since cover sheet 34a
would be the last cover sheet remaining.
[0038] While the tab-like overhang sections are similar to the
overhang sections described above in conjunction with FIG. 2 in
that they overlap the next most adjacent cover sheet and dictate
the order of use (e.g., top to bottom), the tab-like structures
shown in FIG. 3 may provide an easier place for a user's fingers to
latch onto when peeling off the cover sheet as indicated by arrows
33d, 33c, 33b, and 33a depicting the direction of motion of the
tabs to peel back the respective cover sheets.
[0039] Though the tab-like overhang sections in FIG. 3 are
centrally located in the cover sheets, the tabs or overhang section
may be formed in any location on the cover sheet. Referring now to
FIG. 4, another embodiment of the present invention in which a
dispenser package 40 is shown including side or corner tabs 43d,
43c, 43b and 43a on the corners of the cover sheets 44d, 44c, 44b,
and 44a of containers 42d, 42c, 42b and 42a respectively wherein
the tabs overlap with adjacent cover sheets. For instance in FIG.
4, corner tab 43d overlaps with cover sheet 44c, corner tab 43c
overlaps with cover sheet 44b, and corner tab 43b overlaps with
cover sheet 44a. Corner tab 43a may not overlap with any cover
sheet. It should be noted that the tabs may or may not be disposed
on the same side of the container. For instance, the tabs may be on
alternating sides as shown in FIG. 4A where tab 43c and 43a are
shown disposed on the left side of the package 40.
[0040] The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 are
distinguishable from the embodiment in FIG. 1 since in FIGS. 3 and
4 the tabs serve a dual purpose; a first purpose being the
mechanism for peeling back the respective cover sheets and a second
purpose being providing the direction for the predetermined order
of use of the cartridges or removal of the cover sheets in that the
tabs in both FIGS. 3 and 4 overlap adjacent cover sheets. On the
contrary, the side tabs in FIG. 1 serve as the peel back mechanism
but in and of themselves do not provide any overlap (the overlap
being provided by the arrangement of the cover sheets) and as such
the tabs do not directly dictate the sequence of use (or removal of
cover sheets) which is signaled visually to the user by the
overlapping cover sheets.
[0041] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 may be more desirable in
that the signal to the user of the order of use and the actual
means for doing so are incorporated in the same structure (e.g., in
the tab area).
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention is shown with dispenser package 50 including
overlapping tabs 51d and 51c of cover sheets 54d and 54c
respectively and overlapping tabs 51b and 51a of cover sheets 54b
and 54a, respectively. In this embodiment, though the order of use
of the top two cartridges and the order of use of the bottom two
cartridges is dictated (e.g., since tab 51d is disposed on top of
tab 51c, cover sheet 54d will be peeled off first and then cover
sheet 54c and likewise since tab 51b is disposed on top of tab 51a,
cover sheet 54b will be removed first and then cover sheet 54a) the
order of use of all four cartridges may not be known or may not be
dictated by the overlapping nature of the tabs since it is unknown
if a user would first peel off cover sheet 54b or cover sheet 54d
(via tab 51b which overlaps tab 51a or via tab 51d which overlaps
51c, respectively). Thus, while this embodiment provides another
possible design choice which directs the sequence of use of
cartridges with the overlapping adjacent cover tabs, other visual
indicia may be necessary to further indicate to the user a
preferred order of use. Such indicia may include placing a number 1
on tab 51d, a number 2 placed on tab 51c, a number 3 placed on tab
51b and a number 4 placed on tab 51a.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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 FIGS. 1-5
described above depict a "serial" type attachment (e.g., four
containers in a row), a "2.times.2/back to back" type cartridge
container package or a series of two or three or five or more
container packages (not shown) are also contemplated in the present
invention.
[0050] 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.RTM. Venus.RTM. Breeze.TM., 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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".
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
* * * * *