U.S. patent application number 14/105330 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-18 for package comprising a tactile element.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Gillette Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Gillette Company. Invention is credited to Stanley Michael Marcinkowski.
Application Number | 20150164199 14/105330 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52302325 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150164199 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marcinkowski; Stanley
Michael |
June 18, 2015 |
PACKAGE COMPRISING A TACTILE ELEMENT
Abstract
A package containing a device, having one or more features
thereon. The package includes a primary face having one or more
tactile features, said tactile feature(s) correspond to one of more
of similar features on the device.
Inventors: |
Marcinkowski; Stanley Michael;
(Peabody, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Gillette Company |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Gillette Company
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
52302325 |
Appl. No.: |
14/105330 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/352 ;
206/469 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2201/00 20130101;
A45D 27/22 20130101; B65D 75/366 20130101; B65D 2203/00 20130101;
B65D 73/0092 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 27/22 20060101
A45D027/22; B65D 73/00 20060101 B65D073/00 |
Claims
1) A package comprising: a. a primary face having an outer surface
and an inner surface; b. a secondary face opposing said inner
surface wherein said secondary face and said inner surface define a
cavity; c. a hand held device contained within said cavity, said
hand held device comprising a head unit; a handle attachable to
said head unit; and at least one device; d. wherein said outer
surface forms at least one package tactile feature, and wherein
said at least one package tactile feature and said at least one
device feature have substantially the same shape.
2) The package of claim 1, wherein said device feature is
positioned on the head unit.
3) The package of claim 2, wherein the device feature comprises at
least one of: a blade; a lubricating member; and a guard
member.
4) The package of claim 1, wherein said hand held device comprises
a shaving razor.
5) The package of claim 1, wherein said device feature is
positioned on said handle.
6) The package of claim 5, wherein said device feature is a grip
feature.
7) The package of claim 5, wherein said handle is an elongated rod,
and wherein said tactile feature wraps around at least a portion of
said rod.
8) The package of claim 5, wherein said handle comprises a disc
shaped substrate comprising a first surface facing said, and
wherein said device tactile feature is positioned on first
surface.
9) The package of claim 5, wherein said device tactile feature
comprises an arcoidal shape.
10) The package of claim 9, wherein said handle is an elongated
rod, and wherein said arcoidal feature wraps around at least a
portion of said rod.
11) The package of claim 9, wherein said handle comprises a disc
shaped substrate comprising a first surface, and wherein said
arcoidal feature is positioned on first surface.
12) The package of claim 1, wherein said packager further comprises
a container contained within said package.
13) The package of claim 12, wherein at least one of said head unit
and said handle is contained within said container.
14) The package of claim 12, wherein said container is not
transparent.
15) The package of claim 1, wherein said at least package tactile
feature is selected from the group consisting of an embossment, a
crevice, a laminate, a foil laminate, a hologram, glossy print,
lettering, cross hatching or mottling, and combinations
thereof.
16) The package of claim 15, wherein said package comprises a
plurality of package tactile features each representing a device
feature, and wherein at least one of said device features is
present on the head unit and one is present on the handle.
17) The package of claim 15, wherein said device feature comprises
an elastomeric grip feature on said handle, and wherein said
package tactile feature comprises a grip feature having the same
shape and color as the elastomeric grip feature.
18) The package of claim 17, wherein said elastomeric grip feature
on said handle and the grip feature on said package are made of the
same material.
19) A package comprising: a. a thermoformed plastic layer having an
outer surface and an inner surface forming a cavity, said
thermoformed plastic layer forming a peripheral lip; b. a backing
substrate opposing said inner surface of said thermoformed plastic
layer, wherein at least a portion of said peripheral lip is
adjacent to said backing substrate, c. a razor contained within
said cavity, said razor comprising a cartridge head unit; a handle
attachable to said cartridge head unit; d. wherein said outer
surface forms at least one embossment having substantially the same
shape as at least one of said cartridge head unit and said
handle.
20) A package for containing a device, said package comprising: a.
a primary face forming at least one package tactile feature, b.
wherein said at least one package tactile feature which has the
same shape as at least a portion of a device which can be contained
therein.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] There are many types of packages in the market. Blister
packages are commonly used to describe several types of pre-formed
plastic packaging used for small articles. The primary component of
a blister pack (the "blister") is a cavity or pocket made from a
formable material, usually a thermoformed plastic which can be
clear to expose the interior contents. The blister package usually
has a backing of paperboard or a lidding seal of aluminum foil or
plastic.
[0002] Blister packages have been used to contain shaving razors.
Often times the blister portion is clear to allow would be
purchasers to observe the contents prior to purchase. Sometimes,
the manufacturer will place visual indicia on the blister, such as
a picture or photo of the razor to further assist the consumer in
understanding the details of the product. The addition of
embossments onto the blisters have also been generally described.
See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,704,583; 7,121,822; and 6,890,472.
[0003] Despite the use of known packaging techniques, there remains
a need to further modify blister and other types of packages to
improve consumer recognition of products and/or product features
contained therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of this invention relates to a package
comprising: a primary face having an outer surface and an inner
surface; a secondary face opposing said inner surface wherein said
secondary face and said inner surface define a cavity; a hand held
device contained within said cavity, said hand held device
comprising a head unit; a handle attachable to said head unit; and
at least one device feature; wherein said outer surface forms at
least one package tactile feature, and wherein said at least one
package tactile feature and said at least one device feature have
substantially the same shape.
[0005] Another aspect of the invention provides for a package
comprising: a thermoformed plastic layer having an outer surface
and an inner surface forming a cavity, said thermoformed plastic
layer forming a peripheral lip; a backing substrate opposing said
inner surface of said thermoformed plastic layer, wherein at least
a portion of said peripheral lip is adjacent to said backing
substrate, a razor contained within said cavity, said razor
comprising a cartridge head unit; a handle attachable to said
cartridge head unit; wherein said outer surface forms at least one
embossment having substantially the same shape as at least one of
said cartridge head unit and said handle.
[0006] Yet another aspect of the invention provides for a package
for containing a device, said package comprising: a primary or
consumer facing face forming at least one package tactile feature,
wherein said at least one package tactile feature which has the
same shape as at least a portion of a device which can be contained
therein. The tactile feature can have the general 2D shape of said
portion of the device, the same general 3D shape, and even include
similar coloring or surface treatment. The invention is not limited
to the package containing the device, but can simply include the
package itself, prior to having the device placed therein. Blister
packs and other commonly used package structures can be modified
with the package tactile features described herein to arrive at the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a frontal of a package in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the package shown in
FIG. 1, taken along view line A-A.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a frontal view of another package in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the package shown in
FIG. 1, taken along view line B-B.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a frontal view of another package of the
present invention containing a hand held device having a brush
head.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a back view of the package shown in FIG. 5.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a side view of the package shown in FIG. 5.
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a frontal view of another package of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a back view of the package shown in FIG. 8.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side view of the package shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention relates to packages for containing
hand held devices such as shaving razors. Although, the present
discussion may discuss certain aspects of shaving razors which can
be stored with such packages, similar packaging can also be used to
store other devices, including but not limited to: toothbrushes,
cosmetic devices and brushes, telephones, writing utensils, screw
drivers, flashlights, combs, portable electronics, and so forth. As
well, larger versions of the same packaging invention can be used
to contain larger products such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen
equipment, and toys.
[0018] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a frontal view of a package (100) of the
present invention and a cross sectional view of the same package
taken along view line A-A. The package (100) comprises: a primary
face (140) having an outer surface (145) and an inner surface
(147); a secondary face (150) opposing said inner surface (147)
wherein said secondary face and said inner surface define a cavity
(400); a hand held device (200) contained within said cavity, said
hand held device comprising a head unit (210); a handle (220)
attachable to said head unit; and at least one device feature (212,
214, 222); wherein said outer surface forms at least one package
tactile feature (312, 314, 322), and wherein said at least one
package tactile feature and said at least one device feature have
substantially the same shape. Those of skill in the art will
understand that the primary face is the portion of the package
which faces out when the product is stored on shelf. The face can
be flat or curved and can be made of one or more portions of the
package (i.e. such as where the face is formed of two fold over
flaps that can come together to form the face). Preferably, the
primary face is made of a single portion of material and is the
outermost portion of the package that a consumer would see when
viewing products on the shelf. The secondary face would be the face
at the back of the package, generally opposite the primary face.
Those of skill in the art would understand these two faces as the
front of package, and the back of the package.
[0019] When the device is contained in the cavity, it can be free
floating within the cavity, or one or more retaining features can
be used to keep the device in place. In one embodiment, multiple
devices can be included in the cavity within the package. In
another embodiment, multiple components of a device are contained
in the cavity, such as where one device handle and a one or a
plurality of device head units are also contained therein.
[0020] "Same shape" as used herein, means that the device feature
and the package tactile feature have similar or the exact same two
dimensional shapes. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that
the exact dimensions can differ given the device and the primary
face have different curvatures and can be made of different
structures. The same shape can also mean that the features both
have the same general 3 dimensional shape, such as if both form
raised structures extending away from the device and primary face,
respectively. In one embodiment, the device feature and the package
tactile feature also share similar coloring or general surface
feel. In some embodiments, the device feature and the package
tactile feature can be made of the same material, including but not
limited to elastomeric materials, or textured grips, hologram
stickers, and so forth. In embodiments, where the device feature
has a 3 dimensional aspect (something beyond just artwork or a 2D
design), the package tactile feature can have the same shape 3
dimensionally. As used herein, features can be 2 or 3 dimensional
structures and tactile features can also be 2 or 3 dimensional
structures but would be something that looks and/or feels different
from its surrounding elements when contacted by the user.
Non-limiting examples of 2D package tactile features can include a
laminate, a foil laminate, glossy or matted print, various surface
treatments or texturing known in the art, and combinations thereof.
Non-limiting examples of 3D package tactile features can include
embossments, a crevice, materials with different stiffness or
hardness compared to the environment surrounding the feature,
mottling, elastomeric features, or any difference in material
compared to the environment surrounding the feature (which can be
compositional differences such as plastic vs. elastomer or
cellulosic or leather, or it can be surface finish differences
which have more than a difference in appearance--such as a
difference in feel which can be measured by consumers or by CoF
measurements).
[0021] The package of FIG. 1 can be referred to as a blister
package where the primary face is made of a thermoplastic substrate
which can be clear, translucent, or opaque. Other packages can also
be modified to include the package tactile features of the present
invention. This thermoplastic substrate is adhered (such as via
glue or heat seal) to the secondary face, often a cardboard or
plastic backing board or other semi-rigid substrate. In one
embodiment, the primary face is operably connected to the secondary
face to help form the package, this can be achieved by the direct
adhesion or bonding of the primary face to the secondary face, or
the two faces can be attached via intermediate side walls.
[0022] In this embodiment, the hand held device is a shaving razor
comprising a razor cartridge head unit (210) and a handle (220).
The head unit can be permanently or removably attachable to the
handle. When contained within the device, the head unit can be in
an attached or un-attached position, and can optionally be
contained in individual wrappers or tubs. Non-limiting examples of
suitable shaving razors that can be used in accordance with the
present invention include razors currently available on the market
from Gillette.RTM., Gillette Venus.RTM., such as those marketed
under Mach 3.RTM., Fusion.RTM., Embrace.RTM., Breeze.RTM.,
Venus&Olay.RTM. families of razors. Disposable and refillable
razors can be used.
[0023] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the primary face
of the package includes a package tactile feature which has the
same shape as corresponding device features of the products
contained within the package. In this case, not only does same
shape mean that the package tactile feature shares a similar 2D
shape, but is also embossed to emphasize the corresponding features
provided on the razor contained within the package cavity (400). In
this embodiment, the device includes features on the head unit of a
lubricating strip (212), 3 blades (214), along with a guard (shown
but not numbered). The handle also includes a grip or other
aesthetic feature in the form of three arcs (222). The package
primary face forms corresponding package tactile features. The
package tactile features can be formed only on the outer surface
(145) or can be formed from the inner surface as well (147). The
former can be where embossments are adhered to the exterior of the
outer surface, or the feature can be formed when molding or
otherwise forming the primary surface such that the shape is
pressed out from the inner surface through to the outer
surface.
[0024] The device can be a toothbrush, a writing or cosmetic
utensil such as a pen or pencil, or a wide scraping surface such as
for hair removal. Non-limiting examples of hair removal device
include those used with a depilatory or for skin exfoliation, or
razors with a blade unit, such as a safety razor. Where the hair
removal head is a razor cartridge, razor may be power or manual,
disposable or a refillable system. The razor cartridge may also
include multiple blades. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,173
generally describes a Fusion.RTM. razor that is commercially
available from The Gillette Company, which includes a razor
cartridge with multiple blades. Additionally, the razor cartridge
may include a guard as well as a shaving aid. A variety of razor
cartridges can be used in accordance with the present invention.
Nonlimiting examples of suitable razor cartridges, with and without
fins, guards, and/or shave aids, include those marketed by The
Gillette Company under the Fusion.RTM., Venus.RTM. product lines as
well, as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,197,825, 6,449,849,
6,442,839, 6,301,785, 6,298,558; 6,161,288, and U.S. Patent Publ.
2008/060201.
[0025] The terms "forward" and "aft", as used herein, define
relative position between features of the blade unit (i.e., razor
cartridge). A feature "forward" of the at least one blade, for
example, is positioned so that the surface to be treated with by
the device encounters the feature before it encounters the at least
one blade. For example, if the device is being stroked in its
intended cutting direction, the guard is forward of the blade(s). A
feature "aft" of the blade(s) is positioned so that the surface to
be treated by the device encounters the feature after it encounters
the blade(s), for example if the device is stroked in its intended
cutting direction, the cap is disposed aft of the blade(s).
[0026] In one embodiment, the head unit is a razor cartridge
comprising one or more blades, and a guard positioned forward of
said one or more blades, wherein the guard has at least one
elongated flexible protrusions to engage a user's skin. In one
embodiment, at least one flexible protrusion comprises flexible
fins generally parallel to said one or more elongated edges. In
another embodiment, said at least one flexible protrusion comprises
flexible fins comprises at least one portion which is not generally
parallel to said one or more elongated edges. Non-limiting examples
of suitable guards include those used in current razor blades, and
include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,607,230 and 7,024,776;
(disclosing elastomeric/flexible fin bars); 2008/0034590
(disclosing curved guard fins); 2009/0049695A1 (disclosing an
elastomeric guard having guard forming at least one passage
extending between an upper surface and a lower surface).
[0027] In one embodiment, the head unit comprises at least one skin
engaging member such as a conventional shave aid or lubrication
strip. The skin engaging member can be positioned forward and/or
aft of any blade(s). Non-limiting examples of known skin
conditioning compositions suitable for use herein include shave
aids and lubrication strips as described in:
[0028] U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,581,318, 7,069,658, 6,944,952, 6,594,904,
6,302,785, 6,182,365, D424,745, 6,185,822, 6,298,558 and 5,113,585,
and 2009/0223057.
[0029] The head unit is fixedly or removably attached to a handle.
The attachment can be a direct attachment from head unit to a
docking member of the handle, or the head unit can attach to an
interconnect member which is then connected to the docking member
of the handle.
[0030] The device feature can be any feature on the device which
can be seen or contacted by the user's hand or body during handling
or use. These device features can include aesthetics, and tactile
features. Tactile device features are those that can be felt by a
user, and can be simply ergonomic or aesthetic in nature and/or can
provide functional benefits. Non-limiting examples of tactile
features which can be present on the head unit (shown in FIG. 2 as
212, 214) and can include: razor blades, lubrication members,
elastomeric or other types of guards, brush or bristle heads, and
so forth. The features on the device can be present on the head
unit and/or the handle, preferably on both. In one embodiment, the
device feature is a grip feature (222) which can wrap around a
portion of the handle or around the entire periphery. Examples of
grip features on hand held devices are generally known. They can be
particularly useful where the user can suffer from fatigue in the
hands over extended usage periods, or when the product is used in
situations where they can become difficult to handle and/or
slippery, such as when wet. The feature can be elastomeric grips,
chrome or metalized features, buttons, clear window areas, and so
forth. The features can have various shapes such as ribbons, wavy
patterns, circles, ovals, knurled patterns, mottling, cross
hatching, dimpling and so forth. In one embodiment, tactile feature
on the handle can simply be an image or picture that is notable to
the eye, such as geometric shapes, patterns, cartoon characters,
and even words or lettering. Those of skill in the art will
understand that device features can be tactile in nature (such that
they feel different to the user than the rest of the surrounding
device) or they can be 2 dimensional in nature, such as in the case
of logos, or designs, artwork, color patterns, lettering, and so
forth,
[0031] In one embodiment, the device handle can be an elongated
rod, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These types of handles are
commonly found in everyday items such as flashlights, razor
handles, tooth brushes, and household utensils like writing
devices, cooking devices and screwdrivers or other tools.
Non-limiting specific examples of elongated rod type handles which
can be used herein include razor handles which correspond to any of
the above mentioned shaving razors, such as Mach 3, Fusion,
ProGlide, Venus, Embrace, Breeze, and so forth. Popular toothbrush
handles can also be contained, including those from Oral B,
Colgate, Crest and others. This can be particularly useful where
the toothbrush
[0032] In another embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
handle can have a different shape such as a flat and wide substrate
which can be gripped by opposing sides, such as that described in
U.S. 2013/0061481 and U.S. Application Nos. 61/766,792 to Eagleton
et al. and 61/766,928 to Eagleton, et al. FIG. 3 is a frontal view
of another package in accordance with the present invention and
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of that package taken along view
line B-B.
[0033] In one embodiment, the package contains a device having a
handle comprising a disc shaped substrate comprising a first
surface (225) facing said, and wherein said device feature is
positioned on first surface (225). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
head unit is a simplified version of a razor cartridge head
commonly available on the market and sold under the Venus
Embrace.RTM. product line. In this embodiment, the cartridge head
includes 5 razor blades, surrounded by a
[0034] Ribbon of Moisture, which is a lubricating element on the
cartridge. The blades, and/or the lubricating element can be used
as the device features. The device features shown here also include
a grip pattern on the handle. In one embodiment, the feature is
tactile in nature such as an elastomeric grip as shown here having
a ring shape. Other arcoidal or linear type shapes can also be
used.
[0035] In some embodiments, the grip patterns which can be used
with devices described herein can have irregular patterns or can
form a larger artwork type design such as vines, waves, floral
patterns, or simply geometric shapes or repeating or non repeating
nature. In other embodiments, the grip pattern can be simple ribs
or arcs, also within the scope of the invention would be handles
with grip patterns which could represent the amount of added grip
functionality, such as a "1" or "low" for low amount of grip or
CoF, and a "5" or "high" for higher grip functionality (i.e. softer
or tackier). As explained above, logos and brand names can also be
used as well as other communication messages. In one embodiment,
the device feature comprises an elastomeric grip feature on said
handle, and wherein said package tactile feature comprises a grip
feature having the same shape and color as the elastomeric grip
feature.
[0036] In one embodiment, the invention further comprises a
container (500) contained within said package, as shown in FIG. 4.
The container can be used to store the device within the package
and can also usefully be used to store the device or a portion
thereof after the package is opened and discarded. Non-limiting
examples of such containers include the ShowerPod.RTM. by Venus
Embrace, razor or toothbrush travel cases, cartridge tubs which are
often used for refillable cartridge heads such as Venus Embrace,
and compact cases which can be used with make-up kits.
[0037] In one embodiment, where the device is contained within the
container which is then contained within the package, where the
container is not transparent, it can be difficult for the consumer
to view and understand the details of the product contained
therein. More difficult than viewing, it is believed that
understanding the features of the device can be even harder. As
such, it can be useful to provide tactile features on the packaging
that allow the user to understand the key features which are
contained therein. In one embodiment, the tactile features actually
represent discrete portions of the device, such as representing the
head unit itself. Or a portion of the handle, or any
interconnecting parts between the head unit and the handle, such as
a joint or interconnecting member.
[0038] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show three other views of another package
in accordance with the present invention. In this case, the package
has a flat primary face (140) and the cavity is formed by a
deformation in the secondary face (150). In this case, the primary
face can be made of a flat semi-rigid material such as a plastic or
cardboard sheet. The secondary face can also be formed of similar
materials. The device shown here is more akin to a toothbrush
having a toothbrush head and a handle. The package includes package
tactile elements of the toothbrush head (310) further including two
sets of bristle patterns, and a handle (320) having two grip
features.
[0039] FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, include package tactile features on yet
another type of package which is similar to the package of FIG. 5,
but has a curved boat type shape. In this case, a package tactile
element similar to a two bladed razor head design is shown.
[0040] It should be understood that every maximum numerical
limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower
numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were
expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given
throughout this specification includes every higher numerical
limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly
written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this
specification includes every narrower numerical range that falls
within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical
ranges were all expressly written herein.
[0041] All parts, ratios, and percentages herein, in the
Specification, Examples, and Claims, are by weight, and all
numerical limits are used with the normal degree of accuracy
afforded by the art, unless otherwise specified. Further, as used
herein, where a group is described to be "comprising" of a list of
group members, that group may also "consist essentially of" or
"consist of" that same list of group members.
[0042] 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."
[0043] 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 invention 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.
[0044] 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.
* * * * *