JP2016539868A - Package with tactile elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A package containing a device having one or more elements. The package includes a major surface having one or more haptic elements corresponding to one or more similar elements on the device.

Description

  Many types of packages are on the market. The term blister package is widely used to describe several types of pre-formed plastic packaging used for small articles. The main component of a blister pack (“blister”) is a cavity or pocket formed of a moldable material, usually a thermoformed plastic, which may be transparent to reveal the contents. Blister packages usually have a seal that becomes a cardboard mount or an aluminum foil or plastic lid.

  Blister packages have been used to house shaving razors. The blister portion is often transparent so that potential buyers can view the contents prior to purchase. Occasionally, the manufacturer may place a visual indication on the blister, such as a razor pattern or photo, to further help the consumer understand the product details. The provision of embossing on blisters is also generally described. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,704,583, 7,121,822, and 6,890,472.

  Although known packaging techniques are used, there is still a need to further modify blisters and other types of packages to improve consumer perception of products contained in blisters and / or product features. ing.

US Pat. No. 7,704,583 US Pat. No. 7,121,822 US Pat. No. 6,890,472

  One aspect of the present invention is a package, a major surface having an outer surface and an inner surface; a minor surface opposite the inner surface, the minor surface defining a cavity with the inner surface; A hand-held device housed in the cavity, the hand-held device comprising a head unit, a handle attachable to the head unit, and at least one device element; It relates to a package forming at least one package haptic element, wherein the at least one package haptic element and the at least one device element have substantially the same shape.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a package, a thermoformed plastic layer having an outer surface and an inner surface forming a cavity, wherein the thermoformed plastic layer forms an outer peripheral lip; A support substrate facing the inner surface of the layer, wherein at least a portion of the outer peripheral lip is adjacent to the support substrate; and a razor housed in the cavity, the cartridge A razor including a head unit and a handle attachable to the cartridge head unit, the outer surface forming at least one embossing having substantially the same shape as at least one of the cartridge head unit and the handle. Provide the package.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a package for housing a device, comprising a major surface or consumer-facing surface forming at least one package tactile element, said at least one package tactile element being Providing a package having the same shape as at least a portion of the device that can be contained within the package. The haptic element may have a general two-dimensional shape of the part of the device, the same general three-dimensional shape, and may have a similar coloring or surface treatment. The present invention is not limited to a package containing a device, but can simply include the package itself before the device is placed therein. Blister packs and other widely used package structures can also be modified with the package haptic elements described herein to implement the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a package according to at least one embodiment of the invention. It is sectional drawing of the package shown by FIG. 1 along the AA line. FIG. 6 is a front view of another package according to at least one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the package shown in FIG. 1 taken along line BB. Figure 7 shows a front view of another package of the present invention containing a handheld device having a brush head. FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the package shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows a side view of the package shown in FIG. 5. It is a front view of another package of this invention. FIG. 9 shows a rear view of the package shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 shows a side view of the package shown in FIG. 8.

  The present invention relates to a package for housing a handheld device such as a shaving razor. In this description, specific aspects of a shaving razor that can be stored by such a package will be discussed, including toothbrushes, makeup tools and brushes, telephones, writing tools, drivers, flashlights, combs, portable electronic devices, etc. Similar packaging can be used to store other devices including, but not limited to. Similarly, the large version of the invention in the same packaging can be used to accommodate larger products such as vacuum cleaners, kitchenware, and toys.

  1 and 2 show a front view of a package (100) of the present invention and a cross-sectional view of the same package along line AA. The package (100) includes a major surface (140) having an outer surface (145) and an inner surface (147); a minor surface (150) opposite the inner surface (147), the inner surface and the cavity. A secondary surface (150) defining a tee (400); a hand-held device (200) housed in the cavity, the head unit (210) and a handle (220) attachable to the head unit ) And at least one device element (212, 214, 222); and the outer surface forms at least one package haptic element (312, 314, 322) The at least one package haptic element and the at least one device element have substantially the same shape. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the main surface is the portion of the package that faces outward when the product is stored on a shelf. This surface may be flat or curved and may be formed by one or more parts of the package (i.e., the surface is formed of two folded flaps that can be joined together to form a surface. Etc.) Preferably, the major surface is the outermost part of the package that is formed of one piece of material and is visible when the consumer views the product on the shelf. The secondary surface is the surface on the rear side of the package, usually the opposite side of the main surface. Those skilled in the art will understand these two sides as the front side of the package and the back side of the package.

  When the device is housed within the cavity, the device can float freely within the cavity, or one or more retaining elements can be used to secure the device. In one embodiment, multiple devices can be placed in cavities within the package. In another embodiment, multiple components of the device are housed in the cavity, such as when a device handle and one or more device head units are housed in the cavity.

  As used herein, “same shape” means that the device element and the package tactile element have two similar or identical dimensions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exact dimensions can be different given that the device and the main surface have different curvatures and can be constructed with different structures. The same shape can also mean that both elements have the same general three-dimensional shape, as in the case where both elements respectively form a raised structure extending away from the device and the main surface. In one embodiment, the device element and the package haptic element also share similar coloring or general surface feel. In some embodiments, the device element and the package haptic element can be formed of the same material including, but not limited to, an elastic material or a textured grip, a hologram seal, and the like. In embodiments, the package haptic element can have the same shape three-dimensionally if the device element has a three-dimensional side (not just a design or a two-dimensional design). As used herein, an element may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure, and a tactile element may also be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure, but when touched by a user It looks and / or feels different from surrounding elements. Non-limiting examples of two-dimensional package haptic elements can include laminates, foil laminates, glossy or matte prints, various surface treatments or texturing well known in the art, and combinations thereof. . Non-limiting examples of three-dimensional package haptic elements include embossing, crevice, materials having different hardness or hardness with respect to the environment surrounding the element, motoring, elastomeric elements, or elements Any difference in material to the environment (which may be a compositional difference, such as an elastomer to plastic, cellulosic material or leather, or a surface finish difference that has more than a difference in appearance (by the consumer or by CoF measurements) Or a difference in sensation that can be measured).

  The package of FIG. 1 can be referred to as a blister package having a major surface formed of a thermoplastic substrate that can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Other packages can also be modified to have the package tactile element of the present invention. This thermoplastic substrate is often bonded (such as by adhesive or heat sealing) to a secondary surface, which is often a cardboard or plastic backing or other semi-rigid substrate. In one embodiment, the major surface is functionally coupled to the minor surface to help form the package, which is achieved by directly bonding or bonding the major surface and the minor surface. It can be realized or the two faces can be attached via an intermediate side wall.

  In this embodiment, the handheld device is a shaving razor comprising a razor cartridge head unit (210) and a handle (220). The head unit can be permanently or detachably attached to the handle. When housed in the device, the head unit may be in an attached or unattached position and may be placed in individual wrapping paper or cups as required. Non-limiting examples of suitable shaving razors that can be used in accordance with the present invention include: Gillette (R), Gillette Venus (R), Mach 3 (R), Fusion (R) (Trademarks), Embrace (registered trademark), Breeze (registered trademark), and razors of the Venus & Olay (registered trademark) family, which are currently commercially available. Disposable and refillable razors can be used.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the major surface of the package has a package haptic element having the same shape as the corresponding device element of the product contained in the package. In this case, the same shape not only means that the package tactile elements share a similar two-dimensional shape, but also the corresponding elements provided in the razor housed in the package cavity (400). It also means embossed to emphasize. In this embodiment, the device has on the head unit elements of a lubricating strip (212), three blades (214), and guards (shown in the figure but not numbered). Yes. The handle also has a grip or other aesthetic element in the form of three arcs (222). The main surface of the package forms a corresponding package tactile element. The package haptic element may be formed only on the outer surface (145) or may be formed on the inner surface (147) as well. The former may be the part where the embossing is bonded to the outer surface of the outer surface, or the element is extruded from the inner surface to the outer surface when the main surface is molded or otherwise molded In this way, it can be formed.

  The device may be a writing or cosmetic device such as a toothbrush, pen or pencil, or a wide scraping surface for hair removal. Non-limiting examples of hair removal devices include those used with hair removal agents, those used for skin peeling, or razors with blade units such as safety razors. Where the hair removal head is a razor cartridge, the razor can be a motorized or manual, disposable, or refillable system. The razor cartridge may also comprise a plurality of blades. For example, US Pat. No. 7,168,173 generally describes a Fusion® razor with a razor cartridge having a plurality of blades, commercially available from The Gillette Company. . In addition, the razor cartridge may include a guard and a shaving aid. Various razor cartridges can be used in accordance with the present invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable razor cartridges with and without fins, guards, and / or shaving aids include Fusion®, Venus® by The Gillette Company. ), As well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,197,825, 6,449,849, 6,442,839, 6,301,785, 6,298,558, 6,161,288, and US Patent Publication No. 2008/060201.

  As used herein, the terms “front” and “back” define the relative position between each element of the blade unit (ie, razor cartridge). The “forward” mechanism of the at least one blade is positioned, for example, such that the surface to be treated with the device contacts that mechanism before contacting the at least one blade. For example, if the device is being stroked in its intended cutting direction, the guard is in front of the blade. The element “back” of the blade is positioned so that the surface to be treated by the device is in contact with the element after contact with the blade, eg when the device is stroked in its intended cutting direction Is located behind the blade.

  In one embodiment, the head unit is a razor cartridge comprising one or more blades and a guard disposed in front of the one or more blades, the guard being at least one for contacting the user's skin. Having two elongated flexible protrusions. In one embodiment, the at least one flexible protrusion has a flexible fin generally parallel to the one or more elongated edges. In another embodiment, the at least one flexible protrusion comprises a flexible fin having at least one portion that is not generally parallel to the one or more elongated edges. Non-limiting examples of suitable guards include those used in current razor blades, and US Pat. Nos. 7,607,230 and 7,024,776 (elastomeric / allowable). US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0034590 (discloses curved guard fins), US 2009/0049695 (A1) (discloses flexible fin bars), at least one extending between top and bottom surfaces (Disclosed is an elastomer guard having a guard forming a passage).

  In one embodiment, the head unit includes at least one skin engaging member, such as a conventional shaving aid or lubricating strip. The skin engaging member may be disposed in front of any blade and / or behind the blade. Non-limiting examples of well known skin conditioning compositions suitable for use herein include US Pat. Nos. 7,581,318, 7,069,658, 6,944,952. No. 6,594,904, No. 6,302,785, No. 6,182,365, No. D424,745, No. 6,185,822, No. 6,298 , 558, and 5,113,585, and shaving aids and lubricating strips such as those described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0223057.

  The head unit is fixedly or detachably attached to the handle. In such attachment, the head unit may be attached directly to the docking member of the handle, or the head unit may be attached to the interconnection member and then connected to the handle docking member.

  A device element can be any element on the device that is visible or can be touched by the user's hand or body during handling or use. These device elements can include aesthetic and tactile elements. The haptic device element can be tactile by the user and may simply be ergonomic or aesthetic in nature and / or provide functional benefits. Good. Non-limiting examples of tactile elements that can be present on the head unit (shown as 212, 214 in FIG. 2) include razor blades, lubrication members, elastomers or other types of guards, brushes or bristle heads, etc. Can be mentioned. Elements on the device may be present on the head unit and / or handle, preferably both. In one embodiment, the device element is a grip element (222) that can surround a portion of the handle or the entire periphery. Examples of grip elements for hand-held devices are generally known. They may be used in situations where handling may be difficult and / or slippery, such as when the user feels tired of the hand after prolonged use, or when the product is wet It can be particularly useful at times. Such elements may be elastomeric grips, chrome or metallized elements, buttons, transparent window areas, etc. The elements can have various shapes such as ribbons, wavy patterns, circles, ellipses, score patterns, mottling, cross hatching, dimples and the like. In one embodiment, the haptic element on the handle may be a simple image or photograph recognizable by the eye, such as a geometric shape, pattern, animated character, and even word or lettering. A person skilled in the art may have device elements that are inherently tactile (so that the user feels different from the rest of the surrounding device) or logos or designs, designs, It will be appreciated that it may be essentially two-dimensional as in the case of color patterns, lettering, etc.

  In one embodiment, the device handle may be an elongated rod-like member as shown in FIGS. These types of handles are those commonly found in everyday items such as flashlights, razor handles, toothbrushes, and household appliances such as writing utensils, cooking utensils, and drivers or other utensils. Non-limiting examples of elongated rod-shaped handles that can be used herein include Mach 3®, Fusion®, ProGlide®, Venus®, Embrace. A razor handle corresponding to any of the shaving razors described above, such as (registered trademark) or Breeze (registered trademark). A general toothbrush handle such as Oral B, Colgate, or Crest can also be accommodated. This is particularly useful for toothbrushes.

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0061481, and U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 766,792 to Eagleton et al. And Eagleton et al. No. 61 / 766,928, the handle can have different shapes, such as a flat and wide substrate that can be gripped on both sides. FIG. 3 is a front view of another package according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the same package along the line BB.

  In one embodiment, the package contains a device having a handle that includes a disk-shaped substrate having a first surface (225) facing the device, wherein the device element is disposed on the first surface (225). Has been. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the head unit is a simplified version of the razor cartridge head sold in the widely available Venus Embrace® product line. In this embodiment, the cartridge head has five razor blades surrounded by a Ribbon of Moisture which is a lubrication element on the cartridge. These blades and / or lubricating elements can be used as device elements. The device element shown here also has a grip pattern on the handle. In one embodiment, the element is essentially tactile, such as an elastomeric grip, shown here as having a ring shape. Other arcoidal or linear shapes can also be used.

  In some embodiments, a grip pattern that can be used with the devices described herein may have an irregular pattern, or a vine, corrugated, floral, or simply geometric shape Alternatively, a larger design type design may be formed, such as repeated or not repeated. In other embodiments, the grip pattern may be a simple rib or arc, and “1” or “low” for a lower grip amount or CoF, a higher grip function (ie, softer or more tacky). Handles having a grip pattern that can represent the amount of grip function imparted, such as “5” or “high”, are also within the scope of the present invention. As explained above, logos and brand names, as well as other communication messages can also be used. In one embodiment, the device element includes an elastomeric grip element on the handle, and the package haptic element includes a grip element having the same shape and color as the elastomeric grip element.

  In one embodiment, the present invention further includes a container (500) contained within the package, as shown in FIG. The container can be used to store the device in the package, and can also be used effectively to store the device or a portion thereof after the package has been opened and disposed. Non-limiting examples of such containers include cartridge cups often used in refillable cartridge heads such as the ShowerPod® by Venus Embrace®, razor or toothbrush travel cases, Venus Embrace®, etc. And a compact case that can be used with a makeup kit.

  In one embodiment where the device is contained in a container, which is then contained in a package and the container is not transparent, it is difficult for the consumer to see and understand the details of the product contained therein. sell. Understanding each element of the device is even more difficult and more difficult to see. For this reason, it may be useful to provide tactile elements on the package so that the user can understand the main elements contained therein. In one embodiment, the haptic element represents a separate part of the device, such as representing the head unit itself, or any interconnecting part between the head unit and the handle, such as a part of the handle, or a joint or interconnecting member. Is actually represented.

  5, 6 and 7 show three other views of another package according to the present invention. In this case, the package has a flat major surface (140) and the cavities are formed by deformations in the minor surface (150). In this case, the main surface can be formed of a flat semi-rigid material such as plastic or cardboard sheet. The sub surface can also be formed of the same material. The device shown here is very similar to a toothbrush with a toothbrush head and handle. The package has a toothbrush head (310) that further includes two sets of bristle patterns and a package tactile element of a handle (320) having two grip elements.

  8, 9 and 10 are similar to the package of FIG. 5, but have the package tactile element on yet another type of package having a curved boat-like shape. In this case, a package tactile element similar to the design of a two-blade razor head is shown.

  It is understood that all maximum numerical limits given throughout this specification include all smaller numerical limits in the same way that such smaller numerical limits are expressly set forth herein. Should. All minimum numerical limits given throughout this specification are intended to include all larger numerical limits in the same manner as any such higher numerical limit is specifically set forth herein. All numerical ranges given throughout this specification are expressly set forth herein, including all narrower numerical ranges that fall within such wider numerical ranges, and any such narrower numerical ranges. It is included in the same way.

  Unless otherwise indicated, all parts, ratios, and percentages in the specification, examples, and claims are by weight and all numerical limitations are in the art. Is used with the usual degree of accuracy possible. Further, as used herein, when a group is described as being “comprising of” the list of elements of the group, the group also includes the same list of elements of the group “ It may be “consist essentially of” or “consist of”.

  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” shall mean “about 40 mm”.

  All references cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, except where expressly excluded or limited. Citation of any reference is not an admission that such reference is prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed in this application, and such reference alone or in any other reference Nor does it admit that any such invention is taught, suggested or disclosed in any combination. Further, as long as the meaning or definition of any term in this document conflicts with the meaning or definition of any of the same terms in the incorporated literature, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document prevails. Shall.

  While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent 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. I will. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications within the scope of this invention are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (15)

A package (100),
a. A major surface (140) having an outer surface (145) and an inner surface (147);
b. A minor surface (150) opposite the inner surface (147), the minor surface (150) defining a cavity (400) with the inner surface;
c. A handheld device (200) housed in the cavity, the head unit (210), a handle (220) attachable to the head unit, and at least one device element (212, 214, 222) A hand-held device (200) comprising:
d. The package wherein the outer surface forms at least one package haptic element (312, 314, 322), wherein the at least one package haptic element and the at least one device element have substantially the same shape.   The package according to claim 1, wherein the device element is disposed on the head unit.   The package of claim 2, wherein the device element comprises at least one of a blade (214), a lubrication member (212), and a guard member.   The package of claim 1, wherein the handheld device comprises a shaving razor.   The package of claim 1, wherein the device element is disposed on the handle.   The package of claim 5, wherein the device element is a grip element (222).   The package of claim 5, wherein the handle is an elongated rod-like member and the haptic element surrounds at least a portion of the rod-like member.   The handle according to claim 5, wherein the handle comprises a disc-shaped substrate having a first surface (225) facing the device, the device haptic element being arranged on the first surface (225). package.   The package of claim 5, wherein the device tactile element has an arcuate shape.   The package according to claim 9, wherein the handle is an elongated bar-like member, and the arcuate element surrounds at least a portion of the bar-like member.   The package of claim 9, wherein the handle includes a disk-shaped substrate having a first surface, and wherein the arcuate element is disposed on the first surface.   The package of claim 1, wherein the package further comprises a container (500) contained within the package.   The package of claim 12, wherein at least one of the head unit (210) and the handle (220) is contained within the container.   The package of claim 12, wherein the container is not transparent.   2. The at least one package haptic element is selected from the group consisting of embossing, crevice, laminate, foil laminate, hologram, glossy printing, lettering, cross-hatching or motoling, and combinations thereof. Package as stated.

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