U.S. patent application number 12/637849 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for package with external sensory elements.
Invention is credited to Stanley Michael Marcinkowski.
Application Number | 20110139649 12/637849 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44141724 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110139649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marcinkowski; Stanley
Michael |
June 16, 2011 |
Package with External Sensory Elements
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Marcinkowski; Stanley Michael;
(Peabody, MA) |
Family ID: |
44141724 |
Appl. No.: |
12/637849 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/354 ;
206/352; 206/459.1; 206/459.5; 53/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/12 20130101;
B65D 25/20 20130101; B65D 2203/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/354 ;
206/352; 206/459.1; 53/410; 206/459.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65D 25/20 20060101 B65D025/20 |
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.RTM. 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.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to packaging elements and, and more
particularly to razor cartridge packaging elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Current 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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 INVENTION
[0006] In 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.
[0007] 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.RTM. replacement sheets,
etc.), beauty care, and pet care.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] 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:
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 1A each depict a perspective view of a razor
cartridge package showing sensory elements disposed on an exterior
surface of the package in accordance with the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package
showing sensory elements disposed on an exterior surface of the
package in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package
showing sensory elements disposed on an exterior surface of the
package in accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package
showing additional sensory elements disposed on an exterior surface
of the package in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package
showing sensory elements disposed on an exterior surface of the
package in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a razor cartridge package
showing sensory elements disposed on an exterior surface of the
package in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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).
[0024] The term "fragrance" is used herein to signify the quality
of having a "scent," however, the terms "fragrance" and "scent" may
be used interchangeably.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the present invention, the
sensory element is shown to include a sticker 12 (e.g., a visual
sensory element) or label coupled to an exterior surface 14 of the
dispenser package 10 where the sticker 12 includes graphics and/or
words (e.g., text) thereon to communicate to the consumer
information characteristics about the cartridges, and usage (e.g.,
a change rate) for optical shave performance.
[0029] 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. FIG. 1 shows a dispenser
package 10 with four connected containers having razor cartridges
disposed therein respectively. Sticker 12 of FIG. 1 is disposed on
the outer surface located on the opposite side of the surface from
where the razor cartridges will be removed. The sticker 12 of the
present invention may also include any number of die-cut slits,
slots, or holes to improve ventilation to the cartridges.
[0030] Sticker 12 on package 10 in FIG. 1 describes the
characteristics of a razor cartridge's lubrastrip. In this
embodiment, there are four graphics shown on sticker 12. Graphic
12a is shown to include a razor cartridge having a lubrastrip of a
certain color 12a' (e.g., green) adjacent to a man's face 13a, the
numeral 1, and the word "new". The man's face is depicted with a
smile. Thus, graphic 12a communicates to a user how a lubrastrip
should appear when it is new and by showing the man with a smile
(e.g., happy), this provides a signal to a user that the cartridge
will provide a substantially pleasant experience.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] The graphics of the present invention may be any graphic
effective at communicating to a user. For instance, the graphics of
FIG. 1 may be slightly changed and still communicate the same
information to a user. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1A, graphics
12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d may, if desired, each include "smiley
faces", a universally recognized symbol, in lieu of men's faces. A
smiley face included in graphic 12a for instance, may be a happy
face 13a, in graphic 12b a neutral face 13b, in graphic 12c a sad
face 13c, and in graphic 12d a happy face 13d as shown in FIG. 1A.
Any effective graphic is contemplated in the present invention.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] For instance, another example of a visual sensory element is
shown in FIG. 2 where dispenser package 20 includes a sticker 22
disposed or incorporated on the outer or exterior surface 21 of
package 20 but on the same side of the package 20 where the razor
cartridges are removed. Thus, sticker 22 is disposed on the reverse
or opposing side of that of sticker 12 in FIG. 1. Though not shown,
the present invention further contemplates having visual sensory
elements on both sides or all around the sides of the dispenser
package (e.g., having both sticker 12 of FIG. 1 and sticker 22 of
FIG. 2).
[0041] Sticker 22 of FIG. 2 may include four graphics 22a, 22b,
22c, and 22d and may be made of plastic. The sticker may be
mechanically incorporated onto four plastic cover sheets 24a, 24b,
24c, and 24d respectively disposed on top of individual containers
26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d respectively of package 20 with razor
cartridges (not shown) disposed inside. Each cover sheet may
include graphics. Each cover sheet (and hence the respective
portion of the sticker 22) may be desirably peeled off to provide
the user access to the new razor cartridge. As shown in FIG. 2,
graphic 22a includes the text phrase "1 gone"; graphic 22b includes
the text phrase "2 gone"; graphic 22c includes the text phrase
"Only 1 Blade left!"; and graphic 22d includes the text phrase
"Last Blade gone!".
[0042] Therefore, each graphic in FIG. 2 communicates one or more
visual sensory elements to the consumer of the optimal use of the
cartridges by providing a cue for directing the sequence of removal
of the cover sheets or the order of use of the razor cartridges.
For instance, the user viewing package 20 and its graphics will
likely first peel off cover sheet 24a since he/she will read the
phrase in graphic 22a "1 gone" and easily interpret this as
indicating that the razor cartridge disposed under cover sheet 24a
in container 26a shall be the first one gone and thus cover sheet
24a should the first to come off. Following in a similar manner,
cover sheet 24b, 24c, and 24d will be peeled off in the order of
second, third, and fourth based on the visual cues provided in
graphics 22b, 22c, and 22d, respectively. This particular order may
or may not have been the order chosen by a prior art user where no
sensory elements are provided on the exterior surface of a
dispenser package. However, by having these specific visual stimuli
or cues of FIG. 2, a particular order of use of the razor
cartridges is provided to the user without requiring a new routine,
a new way of thinking, or extra work for the consumer and which
also provides an unexpected but beneficial reminder that the number
of cartridges is diminishing and it will soon be time to purchase
additional product.
[0043] The sticker 22 of FIG. 2 may be transparent, translucent,
partially transparent, or opaque such that a user is provided a
visual cue of the razor cartridges in the package.
[0044] 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 FIGS. 1 and 2, it may also include other sensory
elements in addition to visual, or further any combination thereof.
For instance, sensory elements may include olfactory, auditory,
touch, and taste stimuli which correspond to featuring
characteristics or indicating use of razor cartridges or any
combination thereof.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention, there is shown a quadruple
razor cartridge package 30 having four sensory element areas 32a,
32b, 32c, and 32d on the exterior surface 32 of package 30. Many
female razors such as the Gillette.RTM. Venus.RTM. Breeze.TM. have
cartridges with soap wings which typically have a particular scent
or fragrance. In FIG. 3, therefore, these sensory element areas may
include for instance, any means of relaying the scent of the soap
wings. In one embodiment, these sensory elements may include one or
more "scratch and sniff" type areas where the user may touch (or
scratch) one of the areas 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d to reveal (or
sniff) the fragrance of the soap wings of the cartridge inside. The
touch stimuli involve the user's finger scratching away at the
sensory element areas 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, respectively. The
smell stimuli involve the user's nose perceiving the scent emitted
after scratching. In this way, the sensory element stimuli of touch
and smell may desirably communicate to the user a characteristic
such as the fragrance of the razor cartridge. The areas 32a, 32b,
32c, and 32d may be disposed on package 30 via any suitable manner
and may include a sealing process which may involve heat or
pressure.
[0046] It should be noted that sensory element areas 32a, 32b, 32c,
and 32d in FIG. 3 combine both touch and smell stimuli. Other forms
of touch stimuli may be included and any other additional sensory
elements, such as visual stimuli, may also desirably be included on
exterior surface of package 30 in accordance with the present
invention as shown in FIGS. 3 at 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d.
[0047] 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 FIG. 3A,
one or more areas of sensory elements 34 (e.g, essential oil,
perfumes or other formulations) capable of emitting a scent or
scents may be placed anywhere on the exterior surface 32 of package
30 and/or a small sachet of flowers 36 may be incorporated onto the
exterior surface 32 of package 30.
[0048] 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.
[0049] While a quadruple package 30 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, in
accordance with the present invention, package 30 may also be
comprised of one, two, three, five or more razor cartridges having
any number of sensory elements.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4, a single cartridge package 40
having a container 41 and a cover 42 of the present invention is
shown to include, on an exterior surface 42a of cover 42, a sensory
element 44a which may emit a sound or sounds or music stimuli,
either of its own accord or by pressing an area of package 40 or
perhaps shaking or tilting the package 40. For instance, the sound
may include the voice of a person speaking to the consumer
communicating characteristics or usage of the razor cartridge or it
may include a jingle or words related to the product's brand or
other commercialized characteristics or any other popular music.
For instance, the vocal utterance or the voice of a person speaking
may state "Please open with tab" or "I smell like white tea" or
"Have a great shave!" or "Press button hear music." The person
speaking may be an individual linked to the product's brand (e.g.,
a celebrity spokesperson like Tiger Woods) or may be a popular
singer's voice (e.g., Miley Cyrus) or other person identifiable to
a particular demographic or age group or country.
[0051] As mentioned above with FIG. 3, any other sensory elements,
such as visual and touch stimuli, may also desirably be provided on
package 40 in accordance with the present invention. For instance,
button 44 as shown in FIG. 4 would provide a touch sensory element
44a to the user. A touch stimuli may be smooth, rough, soft, furry,
or any combination thereof.
[0052] Any of the sensory elements in FIG. 4 may enhance the
shaving experience for the user or may communicate a characteristic
or usage information of the razor cartridge to the user.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5, a single razor cartridge package 50
having a container 51 and a cover 52 is shown to include a sensory
element 54a as a taste stimuli incorporated onto the exterior
surface 52a of cover 52 of in accordance with the present
invention. In FIG. 5, the taste stimuli 54a may include, but is not
limited to, one or more pieces of food, candy, mint, gum, or liquid
or any combination thereof. The taste stimuli 54a may enhance the
shaving experience for the user or may communicate a characteristic
or usage information of the razor cartridge to the user. As
described above, any other sensory elements, such as visual and
touch stimuli, may also desirably be provided on any exterior
surface of package 50 (e.g., on cover 52 and/or on container 51) in
accordance with the present invention.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.RTM.
replacement sheets, etc.), beauty care products, and pet care
products.
[0056] 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".
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
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