EP2403773A1

EP2403773A1 - Package with external sensory elements

Info

Publication number: EP2403773A1
Application number: EP10707970A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stanley Michael Marcinkowski
Original assignee: Gillette Co LLC
Current assignee: Gillette Co LLC
Priority date: 2009-03-04
Filing date: 2010-02-19
Publication date: 2012-01-11
Also published as: BRPI1010520A2; CN102341316A; MX2011009229A; WO2010100579A1; RU2011136196A; SG173724A1; CN102341316B

Abstract

A novel razor cartridge package for storing razor cartridges is disclosed where the package comprises at least one sensory element (12) 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.

Description

PACKAGE WITH EXTERNAL SENSORY ELEMENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to packaging elements and, and more particularly to razor cartridge packaging elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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, US patent numbers 6,499,595 and 6,886,690. These types of individual containers are widely used for female razor cartridges.

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.

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.

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

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.

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® replacement sheets, etc.), beauty care, and pet care.

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.

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.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIGs. 1 and IA 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

The term "fragrance" is used herein to signify the quality of having a "scent," however, the terms "fragrance" and "scent" may be used interchangeably. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In summation, FIG. l'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.

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. IA, 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. IA. Any effective graphic is contemplated in the present invention.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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).

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!".

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.

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.

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.

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® Venus® Breeze™ 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. 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 FIG. 3 at 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, Swiff er® replacement sheets, etc.), beauty care products, and pet care products.

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".

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.

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

What is claimed is:

1. A razor cartridge package characterized by at least one sensory element incorporated onto at least one exterior surface of said cartridge package, said cartridge package storing at least one razor cartridge.

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 said at least one razor cartridge to a user.

4. The package of claim 1 wherein said sensory element communicates usage of said at least one razor cartridge to a user.

5. The package of claim 2 wherein said visual sensory element comprises graphics, text, or any combination thereof.

6. The package of claim 5 wherein said cartridge package comprises a plurality of razor cartridges.

7. The package of claim 6 wherein said visual sensory element directs a sequence of use of said plurality of cartridges.

8. The package of claim 2 wherein said olfactory sensory element comprises a fragrance wherein said fragrance is selected from the group consisting of essential oils, perfumes, formulations, sachets, and combinations thereof, said auditory sensory element is a sound selected from the group consisting of a tone, music, vocal utterances, noise, and combinations thereof, said taste sensory element is selected from the group consisting of pieces of food, candy, mint, gum, liquid, and combinations thereof, and said touch sensory element is a feeling selected from the group consisting of smoothness, roughness, softness, furriness, and combinations thereof.

9. The package of claim 1 further comprising at least one container for storing at least one razor cartridge and at least one cover for each of said at least one container.

10. The package of claim 9 wherein said at least one sensory element is incorporated on an exterior surface of said at least one cover.

11. 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, baby care products, health care products, home care products, beauty care products, and pet care products.

12. The package of claim 11 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.

13. A method of making a razor cartridge package characterized by incorporating at least one sensory element onto at least one exterior surface of said cartridge package 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.

14. An array of graphics disposed on a razor cartridge package, the array characterized by a sequence of designs corresponding to stages of wear of a razor cartridge.

15. The array of graphics of claim 14 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.