CN209757768U - Electronic commerce packaging system of paired consumer products - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging system comprising at least a first consumer goods and a second consumer goods each contained in a six-sided 3-ply corrugated cardboard box, wherein the first consumer goods and the second consumer goods are contained in separate compartments within the box separated by an internally adjoined left and right outer panel portion, wherein the left outer panel portion and the right outer panel portion have a left end protruding edge and a right end protruding edge, respectively, and wherein the protrusions are releasably received in a middle slot of a bottom side of the box. In the context of electronic commerce, the packaging system of the present invention provides the necessary protection for the first and second consumer goods from the harsh requirements of transportation and package distribution, while providing significant benefits in terms of environmental protection, flexibility, and cost savings.

Description

electronic commerce packaging system of paired consumer products

Technical Field

the present invention relates to a shipping system suitable for shipping a pair of consumer goods, particularly through an e-commerce channel.

Background

electronic commerce is an important and growing business channel. This is especially true in the chinese market. Fast-consumer products (e.g., bottled shampoo or laundry detergent) are one example of a class of goods sold by the e-commerce channel. Many of these commodities are sold in pairs (i.e. more than two), for example: shampoos and conditioners; laundry detergents and fabric softeners; two different notes or flavor versions of the same consumable; base products and their miniature forms; or simply the same consumer product of both. There is a need to protect these pairs of consumer goods from damage associated with shipping pressures and shipping requirements (i.e., shipping the goods from the manufacturer/e-retailer ultimately to the consumer/end-user). There is also a need for fast and cost-effective packaging of consumer products for packaging. Currently, some consumer products are packaged in primary shipping boxes made of corrugated cardboard. Inserts (typically made of paper or plastic) are also used to secure the consumer goods in place within the shipping container. While such systems do protect the consumer products contained therein, they consume a significant amount of material cost. There are also environmental costs associated with the use of such materials. In view of the growing trend in electronic commerce, coupled with the current need to save on environmental and material costs as well as labor costs, there is a need to provide a packaging system, particularly one designed for electronic commerce, that provides the necessary protection for pairs of consumer goods, yet achieves savings and an improved unpacking experience for the consumer.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

applicants have unexpectedly found that the use of certain corrugated paperboard structures provides environmental and cost savings while providing the necessary protection for pairs of consumer goods during shipping/transportation associated with electronic commerce.

One aspect of the present invention provides a packaging system comprising at least a first consumer product and a second consumer product each contained in a six-sided corrugated cardboard box, wherein the first and second consumer products are contained in separate compartments within the box separated by an inner abutting left outer panel portion and right outer panel portion. The left and right outer panel portions have left and right projecting edges, respectively, and wherein the projections are releasably received in intermediate slots in the bottom side of the case.

One advantage resides in the use of sleeves, preferably paper sleeves, that are slipped over the carton to prevent premature opening of the carton.

One advantage resides in the use of a sleeve with inset. Printing the artwork on the sleeve is more cost effective (than printing the artwork on the box itself) and may additionally provide greater flexibility to change the artwork according to the product, or even to personalize (i.e. print on demand) for each consumer.

one advantage resides in the use of a system that does not require the use of glue, taps or staples or other fasteners, or at least minimizes the use of these. This reduces cost, increases operating speed and/or increases the recyclability of the system.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

drawings

while the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a cardboard blank suitable for making a carton that is part of a packaging system;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an open top box assembled from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the case of FIG. 2, with the top side closed; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of the closed tank of FIG. 3 with a sleeve thereon to prevent premature opening of the tank.

the utility model relates to an explanation of reference numeral:

(FIG. 1):

-a cardboard blank (1);

a longitudinal axis (12);

a central panel (11);

A central panel intermediate channel (13);

A center panel top slot (15);

A central panel bottom slot (17);

a top panel (5);

a top inner portion (21);

A top double fold (29);

an outer top portion (23);

A tip edge (25);

a tip projecting edge (27);

A bottom panel (3);

a bottom inner portion (31);

A bottom double fold (39);

A bottom outer portion (33);

a bottom end edge (35);

A bottom end projecting edge (37);

A left panel (9);

a left inner top panel portion (59);

a left inner-middle panel portion (51);

a left inner bottom panel portion (57);

a left mid-panel portion (53);

A left outer panel portion (55);

a left end edge (54);

a left projecting edge (56);

a left finger hole (52);

a right panel (7);

a right inner top panel portion (49);

a right inner-middle panel portion (41);

A right inner bottom panel portion (47);

A right mid-panel portion (43);

a right outer panel portion (45);

a right end edge (44);

a right end projecting edge (46); and a right finger hole (42).

(FIG. 2):

an open box (61);

a top inner portion (21);

a top double fold (29);

A bottom inner portion (31);

a bottom double fold (39);

a central panel (11);

a central panel intermediate channel (13);

a left panel (9);

A left inner-middle panel portion (51);

a left mid-panel portion (53);

a left outer panel portion (55);

A left end edge (54);

A left projecting edge (56);

a left finger hole (52);

A right panel (7);

a right inner-middle panel portion (41);

A right mid-panel portion (43);

a right outer panel portion (45);

a right end edge (44);

a right end projecting edge (46); and

a right finger hole (42).

(FIG. 3):

a closed box (71);

A left side face (75);

a right side surface (77);

A front side (79);

a rear side (73);

A top side (78);

a left mid-panel portion (53);

a right mid-panel portion (43);

A left finger hole (52); and

a right finger hole (42).

(FIG. 4):

a packaging system (81);

A closed box (71);

A sleeve (83);

A left side face (75);

a right side surface (77);

A front side (79);

a rear side (73); and

A top side (78).

Detailed Description

definition of

The term "comprising" as used herein means that steps and ingredients other than those specifically mentioned may be added. The term includes the term "consisting of and the term" consisting essentially of. The compositions of the present invention may comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of: the essential elements and limitations described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

all percentages, parts and ratios are based on the total weight of the composition of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise indicated, all weights associated with listed ingredients are based on the active level and, therefore, do not include solvents or by-products that may be included in commercially available materials.

as used herein, an article comprising "a" or "an" when used in a claim is intended to mean one or more of the claimed or described item.

As used herein, the phrases "preferred," "preferably," and variations thereof refer to embodiments of the invention that provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, nor does it exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

fig. 1 relates to a cardboard blank (1). Different types of cardboard may be used. One suitable type is 3 ply corrugated board. Preferably, at least the inner layer(s) (three layers) comprise at least a portion of recycled material. The longitudinal axis (12) is along the length and middle of the blank. The blank (1) comprises a central panel (11) located in the centre of the blank (1). The central panel (11) will eventually form the bottom side of a six-sided box capable of containing the first and second consumer goods. The central panel (11) includes a central panel intermediate channel (13). Preferably, the longitudinal axis (12) intersects the central panel central slot (13). Preferably, the length of the central panel intermediate slot (13) lies in a plane parallel to said longitudinal axis (12). The length of the central panel intermediate channel (13) may vary but is typically between 1% and 99%, preferably between 2% and 50%, more preferably between 5% and 20% of the length of the bottom side of the tank. Typical dimensions may include a width of 1-10 mm and a length of 1-20 cm. A non-limiting example is a width of 3mm and a length of 5 cm. The center panel (11) may optionally, but preferably, further comprise a center panel top slot (15) at one end and a center panel bottom slot (17) at the opposite end. Preferably, the longitudinal axis (12) also intersects both the center panel top slot (15) and the center panel bottom slot (17). Preferably, however, the length dimension (i.e. the longest dimension) of these slots (15, 17) lies in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12). Typical dimensions for the center panel top slot (15) and the center panel bottom slot (17) may include a width of 1-10 mm and a length of 1-20 cm. A non-limiting example is a width of 3mm and a length of 5 cm.

Still referring to fig. 1, extending to the left side of the central panel (11) (lying in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12)) is the left panel (9). Nearest the intersection of the central panel (11) and the left panel (9) is a left inner-middle panel portion (51) (of the left panel (9)). This left inner-middle panel portion (51) ultimately forms the left side of the assembled box. Extending upwardly (i.e., lying in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (12)) of the left inner-middle panel portion (51) is a left inner top panel portion (59). Extending downwardly from the left inner-middle panel portion (51) is a left inner bottom panel portion (57). Extending to the left side (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12)) of the left medial-medial panel portion (51) is a left medial panel portion (53). Extending further to the left is a left outer panel portion (55). For clarity, the left mid-panel portion (53) is located between the left outer panel portion (55) and the left inner-mid panel portion (51). The leftmost directional edge of the left outer panel portion (55) is a left end edge (54). Typically, at least a portion of the left end edge (54) lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (12). Notably, the left outer panel portion (55) has a protruding portion with a left end protruding edge (56). The left protruding edge (56) is inserted through the center panel center slot (13) during tank assembly. Therefore, the length of the left protruding edge (56) is preferably slightly less than the length of the corresponding central panel central groove (13). Preferably, at least a portion of the left-end projecting edge (56) lies along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (12).

opposite the left panel (9) of the cardboard blank (1) is a right panel (7). That is, extending to the right side of the central panel (11) (lying in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12)) is the right panel (7). For clarity purposes, the central panel (11) is located between the left panel (9) and the right panel (7) (as seen in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12)). Closest to the intersection of the central panel (11) and the right panel (7) is a right inner-middle panel portion (41) (of the right panel (7)). This right inner-middle panel portion (41) ultimately forms the right side of the assembled box. Extending upwardly (i.e., in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (12)) from the right inner-middle panel portion (41) is a right inner top panel portion (49). Extending downward from the right inner-middle panel portion (41) is a right inner bottom panel portion (47). Extending to the right side (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12)) of the right medial-medial panel portion (41) is a right medial panel portion (43). Extending further to the right is a right outer panel portion (45). For clarity, the right middle panel portion (43) is located between the right outer panel portion (45) and the right inner-middle panel portion (41). The rightmost directional edge of the right outer panel portion (45) is a right end edge (44). Typically, at least a portion of this right end edge (44) lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (12). Notably, the right outer panel portion (45) has a projecting portion with a right end projecting edge (46). The right end flange (46) is inserted through the center panel center slot (13) during tank assembly. The length of the right-hand projecting edge (46) is therefore preferably slightly less than the length of the corresponding central panel intermediate slot (13). Preferably, at least a portion of the right protruding edge (46) is along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis (12).

Still referring to fig. 1, the top panel (5) extends upwardly (along the longitudinal axis (12)) from the central panel (11). The top panel (5) has two parts, a top inner part (21) and a top outer part (23). The top inner portion (21) is adjacent the center panel (11) and is located between the center panel (11) and the top outer portion (23). A top double fold (29) separates the top outer portion (23) from the top inner portion (21). The edge of the top outer portion (23) further in the upward direction (along the longitudinal axis (12)) is a top edge (25). Typically, at least a portion of this tip edge (25) lies in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12). Notably, the top outer portion (23) has a protruding portion with a top protruding edge (27). The top protruding edge (27) is inserted through the center panel top slot (15) during tank assembly. The length of the top protruding edge (27) is preferably slightly less than the length of the corresponding center panel top slot (15). Preferably, at least a portion of the apex flange (27) lies in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12). For clarity purposes, the left inner top panel portion (59) and the right inner top panel portion (49) are not connected to the top inner portion (21). However, during tank assembly, the left inner top panel portion (59) and the right inner top panel portion (49) are the middle layers of the three-tiered rear side of the assembled tank. That is, the top inner portion (21) forms the outermost layer, and the top outer portion (23) forms the innermost layer. The top double fold (29) provides a gap to receive the left inner top panel portion (59) and the right inner top panel portion (49).

The bottom panel (3) is similar to the top panel (5) described above. Namely, the bottom panel (3) is opposite to the top panel (5) of the cardboard blank (1). For clarity purposes, the central panel (11) is located between the bottom panel (3) and the top panel (5) (as seen along the longitudinal axis (12)). The bottom panel (3) extends downwardly (along the longitudinal axis (12)) from the central panel (11). The bottom panel (3) has two portions, a bottom inner portion (31) and a bottom outer portion (33). The bottom inner portion (31) is adjacent the center panel (11) and is located between the center panel (11) and the bottom outer portion (33). A bottom double fold (39) separates the bottom outer portion (33) from the bottom inner portion (31). The edge of the bottom outer portion (33) further down (along the longitudinal axis (12)) is the bottom edge (35). Typically, at least a portion of this bottom end edge (35) lies in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12). Notably, the bottom outer portion (33) has a protruding portion with a bottom end protruding edge (37). The bottom end flange (37) is inserted through the center panel bottom slot (17) during tank assembly. Thus, the length of the bottom protruding edge (37) is preferably slightly less than the length of the corresponding center panel bottom slot (17). Preferably, at least a portion of the bottom protruding edge (37) lies in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (12). For clarity purposes, the left (57) and right (47) inner bottom panel portions are not connected to the bottom inner portion (31). However, during tank assembly, the left (57) and right (47) inner bottom panel portions are the middle layers of the three front sides of the assembled tank. That is, the bottom inner portion (31) forms the outermost layer, while the bottom outer portion (33) forms the innermost layer. The bottom double fold (39) provides a gap to receive the left (57) and right (47) inner bottom panel portions.

fig. 2 is a top view of an open box (61) assembled from the carton blank (1) of fig. 1. The left outer panel portion (55) and left middle panel portion (53) (of the left panel (9)) and the right outer panel portion (45) and right middle panel portion (43) (of the right panel (7)) expose the inner cavity of the open box (61). The central panel (11) forms the bottom side of the open box (61). A central panel central slot (13) is visible. The staff can place first and second consumer goods (or more) (not shown) into the internal cavity of the open box (61). The consumer product can be any number of products including, but not limited to, fabric care, personal care, baby care, beauty care, and oral care. One non-limiting example is hair care products such as bottled shampoos and bottled conditioners. After the first and second consumer goods are within the internal cavity, the left panel (9) and the right panel (7) are folded over to insert the respective left protruding edge (56) and right protruding edge (46) into the central panel intermediate slot (13).

fig. 3 is a top view of a closed box (71) (resulting from closing the open box (61) of fig. 2). The left and right mid-panel portions (53, 43) form a top side (78) of the closed box (71) (i.e., left and right sides of the top side (78), respectively). The closed box (71) is a six-sided corrugated cardboard box. The rear side surface (73) is opposite to the front side surface (79). The left side surface (75) is opposite to the right side surface (77), and the bottom side surface is opposite to the top side surface (78). Although not shown, the left outer panel portion (55) is internally contiguous with the right outer panel portion (45), dividing the interior cavity into at least two separate compartments. One compartment contains a first consumer product and a second compartment contains a second consumer product. Of course, the size (or number) of the compartments may be adjusted based on the subjective consumer product. A left end projecting edge (56) (of the left outer panel portion (55)) and a right end projecting edge (46) (of the right outer panel portion (45)) are releasably received in a middle groove (13) of the bottom side of the case. The left finger hole (52) and the right finger hole (42) are holes through the top side that allow a consumer to pull out the left panel (9) and the right panel (7) by inserting a finger through the holes to open the case and expose the first and second consumer goods contained therein.

fig. 4 is a packaging system (81) comprising a sleeve (83) on a closed box (71) (where the closed box contains a first consumer product in a first compartment and a second consumer product in a second compartment). The function of the sleeve is to keep the box closed until the consumer removes the sleeve. The sleeve also provides an efficient, flexible, and cost-effective way of providing graphics and illustrations for the packaging system (81). The shipping address and/or brand of the consumer is an example of graphics and artwork that may be printed on the sleeve. The sleeve (83) may be made of paper, cardboard, plastic or a combination thereof. The sleeve (83) is preferably adapted to surround relatively tightly around the closed box (71), in particular around the left side (75), the right side (77), the top side (78) and the bottom side. Preferably, the sleeve is held in place around the tank by friction alone, but optionally a small amount of tape may be used to ensure that the sleeve remains stationary.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, 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" means "about 40 mm".

while particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (14)

1. a packaging system, characterized in that it comprises at least a first consumer product and a second consumer product each contained in a six-sided 3-ply corrugated cardboard box,

Wherein the first consumer goods and the second consumer goods are housed in separate compartments within the box separated by left and right interior-adjoining outer panel portions,

wherein the left and right outer panel portions have left and right projecting edges, respectively, and wherein the projections are releasably received in intermediate slots in the bottom side of the case.

2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein a top side of the box is opposite a bottom side, and wherein the top side is formed from a left panel and a right panel,

wherein the left mid-panel portion forms a left half of the top side;

wherein the right middle panel portion forms a right half of the top side;

Wherein the left outer panel portion extends from the left middle panel portion and the right outer panel portion extends from the right middle panel portion.

3. the packaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner adjoining left and right outer panel portions adjoin along a plane, wherein the plane is along a longitudinal axis of the carton.

4. The packaging system of claim 3, wherein the plane further intersects a middle groove of the bottom side of the case.

5. the packaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein a left inner-middle panel portion forms a left side of the box and a right inner-middle panel portion forms a right side of the box.

6. The packaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein a central panel forms a bottom side of the box, wherein a rear side is formed by a top panel extending from the central panel, the top panel being folded over itself and a top protruding edge being received into a central panel top slot; and

Wherein the front side is formed by a bottom panel extending from the center panel, the bottom panel being folded over on itself and a bottom protruding edge being received into a center panel bottom slot, wherein the rear side and the front side are opposite one another, and wherein a center panel top slot and a center panel bottom slot are located at opposite ends of the bottom side.

7. the packaging system of claim 2, wherein a left finger hole is located across the left middle panel portion and the left outer panel portion of the left panel; and the right finger hole is positioned across the right middle panel portion and the right outer panel portion of the right panel.

8. a packaging system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a sleeve is releasably fitted around the box.

9. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the sleeve is a paper sleeve or a paperboard sleeve.

10. the packaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first consumer product comprises at least one shampoo and the second consumer product comprises at least one conditioner.

11. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the sleeve further comprises branding or personalized information for the consumer.

12. A packaging system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the box is made from a three-ply paperboard blank.

13. the packaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one compartment of the box is free of an insert for securing the first consumer product or the second consumer product.

14. The packaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the box is free of glue or tape.