EP0885814B1

EP0885814B1 - Razor packaging system

Info

Publication number: EP0885814B1
Application number: EP19980303686
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Althaus
Original assignee: Warner Lambert Co LLC
Current assignee: Warner Lambert Co LLC
Priority date: 1997-06-16
Filing date: 1998-05-12
Publication date: 2002-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2018-05-12
Also published as: EP0885814A1; JPH1119347A; DE69807993T2; DE69807993D1

Description

The present invention relates to a system for packaging and displaying razors according to the preamble of claim 1 and, more particularly, to a system for displaying and selectively storing a plurality of razors in an economically advantageous and ergonomically convenient fashion.
When trying to develop a successful consumer response for a product, whether new or old, several important considerations should be kept in mind in order to maximize profits and insure a product's success. Of the more notable of these considerations, three in particular should be emphasized: efficient product development, efficient manufacturing and packaging of the product, and effective sales techniques. Careful application of these factors should begin at the onset of the manufacturing process and continue until the eventual sale of the product.
One such market where these considerations play a particularly important role is the disposable shaving industry where rapid technological advancement can dramatically increase the sales and/or foster a quick decline in the popularity of a particular shaving device. Hence, manufacturers of shaving devices are constantly and consistently coming up with new products and developing new ways of making the shaving process easier and more comfortable for both men and women. More recently, however, there has been an increasing trend towards developing new ways of displaying, packaging and storing shaving products to enhance sales as well.
For example, most disposable razors are sold in packets containing a specific number of units depending upon the size of the particular packaging. Usually, the razors are either sold in: a plastic bag, a box or perhaps in some limited space saving arrangement. While there are obvious advantages for the manufacturer in packaging and selling the razors in such bulk-sale fashion, namely, lower packaging costs, there are numerous disadvantages for the consumer. For example, consumers may have difficulty in discerning the particular type, quality or quantity of the razors prior to sale due to the shape, non-transparency or particular type of bag used for packaging. This can lead to discouragement at the point of purchase. In addition, consumers may be forced to buy a larger quantity of razors than that initially or actually desired. Moreover, because of the particular type of packaging, i.e., plastic bags or partial cardboard encasement, the razors typically separate from the packaging and can become lost or perhaps damaged.
A further disadvantage of much previously used packaging is that most razors sold in bulk-like quantities are either not meant to be stored in their selling containers (plastic bags, boxes or cardboard encasements) or can only be stored rather awkwardly in such packaging, making bulk-buying less desirable.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a razor packaging system which will display a plurality of razors in an economically efficient yet attractive fashion and additionally provide a convenient means for storing the razors even after the selling container has been opened.
UK patent application number GB 2090524 A (corresponding to the preamble of claim 1) discolses a display package of disposable razors formed from:
1. A substantially rectangular card, by slitting to form a finger in the centre of the card, and folding the card to a channel shape, adhering the finger to a panel to maintain the channel shape; and
2. An array of for example five razors with their handles in side by side contact and their blade units overlapping one another by fitting the array within the channel to rest against the finger.
US Patent No. 5,095,924 discloses a personal toiletry case having a left section and a right section hinged together by hinges. Each section has a rectangular side panel bounded by a bottom wall, a top wall, and two side walls. The top walls each have a recessed portion through which articles contained within the case may be accessed. Brackets extending from the panels of the case are provided to hold toiletry articles within the case. The case also has venting holes to allow moisture within the case to escape through ambience.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a razor packaging system as defined in Claim 1.
Optional, advantageous features of the invention are defined in the dependent sub-claims.
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a novel razor packaging system for displaying and storing a plurality of razors, comprising a first portion and a second portion movably disposed relative to each other between a closed position and an open position. At least one of the first portion and the second portion also comprise a means for releasably securing the razors to the respective first or second portion. The razor packaging system additionally comprises means for maintaining the first portion and the second portion in a closed position for storing the razors.
Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention are useful in providing a packaging system for displaying re-usable and/or disposable razors whereby the razors are ideally positioned, e.g., for display in an upright fashion. The razors are preferably arranged or positioned by way of a maintaining means in some ideal space saving arrangement, i.e., side-by-side (each razor head positioned proximate to a subsequent razor head) or nestled (each razor head positioned proximate to the bottom of a subsequent razor shaft or handle).
According to the present invention, a packaging system for a reusable or disposable razor has at least one breakable connection located between two razors, so that one or more razors can be easily and selectively separated from the remaining plurality.
In accordance with one embodiment the present invention, a system for displaying and storing a plurality of razors comprises a plurality of razors, a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position and either or both of the first or the second portion additionally comprise means for releasably securing the plurality of razors to the respective first or second portion. The packaging system also comprises means for maintaining the first portion and the second portion in a closed position.
In one particular embodiment, the razors are disposable. Thus each of the razors comprise a razor head and a razor handle wherein the razor head is integrally formed with the razor handle.
The packaging system of the present invention comprises at least one breakable connection disposed between two razors for easily separating one or more razors from the remaining plurality. Advantageously, one breakable connection is disposed between each pair of adjacent razors so that each individual razor can be separated from the whole and the remaining razors stay secured in the original sale packaging. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to package two or more razors within one compartmentalized breakable connection for added storage convenience or for travelling purposes.
Most desirably, the razors are packaged side-by-side in an upright or vertically oriented manner for space saving purposes. However, in some cases it may be desirable to package the razors to partially lie on one side edge or on a slight angle with respect to the view of the consumer in order to enhance the razor's appearance. In other cases it may be desirable to package and position the razors in a nestled fashion to allow more razors to fit within the limited space available for the packaging.
Preferably, the packaging system comprises means for maintaining or storing the razors in a closed position which can involve a snap-fit mechanism, male-to-female-connection, or synthetic materials that adhere when pressed together, e.g., such as the fastener commonly sold under the trademark VELCRO®. In one particular embodiment, an overlapping portion depends from one of the portions and reciprocates or interacts with the other portion to secure the packaging in the closed position. In another particular embodiment, the razor packaging system comprises an additional security strip or security mechanism, to prevent tampering of the package prior to sale, which can be removed from the packaging after the sale.
Most desirably, the first and the second portions are connected with a living hinge so as to movably cooperate in a uniform or consistent fashion during movement from the closed position to the open position.
Preferably, either or both of the first or the second portion is partially or fully transparent so the razors are viewable to the consumer prior to purchase. Advantageously, either or both of the first portion or the second portion comprise a thermoplastic material or are formed by some known molding or hot formation process.
In one particularly preferred embodiment, the razors are held in place by way of a plurality of walls extending from one or perhaps both of the portions which define or form a plurality of wells for receiving a portion of a razor. In another preferred embodiment, the razors are packaged in an upright fashion either nestled or side-by-side and the razor heads are received within the wells.
In one embodiment, the razors are held in place and secured to one of the portions by positioning elements which allow a consumer to selectively separate the razors from the other razors remaining in the package.
There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing some, but not all, of the features of the present invention with the razors in nestled fashion;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the packaging system;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the packaging system showing some, but not all, of the features of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the packaging system of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5a is a side elevational view showing a male-male fastening means for the packaging system;
FIG. 5b is a side elevational view showing a male-female fastening means for the packaging system;
FIG. 5c is a side elevational view showing a snap-fit fastening means for the packaging system;
FIG. 5d is a front elevational view showing an overlapping fastening means for the packaging system;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the packaging system of the present invention, showing nestled razors and breakable connections;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the packaging system showing breakable connections; and
FIG. 8 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the packaging system showing individually contained razors in nestled arrangement with individual breakable connections.
Turning now in detail to the appended drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, a razor packaging system is generally designated by reference number 10. Packaging system 10 comprising packaging display holder 12, first portion 14 (Not shown in FIG. 1, See FIG. 3) and second portion 16. Holder 12 is attached to either or both first portion 14 or second portion 16 and comprises recess 40 designed to cooperate with a store's standard display case or displaying mechanism. Holder 12 is preferably formed from a transparent, resilient plastic or other similar material and is preferably detachable from first portion 14 or second portion 16 after the sale. FIG. 1 also shows adhesive strip 28 attached along common edge 31 which acts as a temporary security means for packaging system 10 to prevent tampering prior to sale.
As shown in FIG. 1, first portion 14 and second portion 16, preferably made from a thermoplastic material, are movably disposed relative to one another by way of living hinge 23 preferably attached along second common edge 29 of portions 14, 16. In accordance with this particular embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of disposable razors, generally designated by reference numeral 15, each comprise a razor head 18 and handle 20 which are, preferably, integrally formed with each other. As depicted in FIG. 1, disposable razors 15 are arranged in a nestled fashion wherein each neighboring razor head 18 is touching or proximate to the bottom handle portion 21 of a first disposable razor to minimize the space used by each razor 15 and maximize packaging. Preferably, the razors 15 are also arranged or positioned in an upright manner such that the side edge 39 (See FIG. 4) of each razor 15 or the side face 19 of razor head 18 abuts against at least one side of the packaging so that each razor is standing on its side face 19 or side edge 39.
As seen most clearly in the embodiment of FIG. 2, first portion 14 and second portion 16 comprise a plurality of walls 27, 25, respectively, depending from one or both of said portions 14, 16 which define at least one well 30, 32 for containing a portion of razor 15. For example, in this particular embodiment, which is also the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1, razors 15 are arranged in a nestled fashion and every other razor's head 18 is received within either upper well or lower well depending upon its respective vertical disposition.
In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, razors 15 can be maintained in position (preferably upright) by positioning elements 24 and 26 which are integral with one of said portions 14, 16 and act so as to mutually cooperate with each other (24, 26) to selectively maintain at least one razor 15 in a particular desired position for packaging.
FIGS. 5a through 5d show several alternative embodiments of the releasable securing or locking means for keeping razor packaging 10 in a closed position for storage or traveling purposes. In particular, FIG. 5a depicts a close-up of bottom razor handle 21 contained in well 32 of first portion 14. First portion 14 additionally comprises a first male detent or protrusion 46 integrally formed with the same and second portion 16 comprises a second male detent or protrusion 44 integrally formed within a depending edge of the same such that first protrusion 46 and second protrusion 44 engage in a male-to-male overlapping locking fashion to secure the packaging system in a closed position.
FIG. 5b depicts a similar close-up view of a packaging system with a male-to-female securing device. In particular, FIG. 5b comprises protruding portion or detent 50 integrally formed with first portion 14 and receiving portion 52 is integrally formed within a depending edge of second portion 16 such that receiving portion 52 aligns and accommodates protruding portion 50 in a locking or securing manner, i.e., protruding portion 50 and receiving portion 52 mutually cooperate in securing packaging system 10 in a closed position.
Likewise FIG. 5c depicts a similar close-up view of a packaging system wherein the securing means involves a snap-fit mechanism comprising female snap portion 62 attached to one of said portions and male snap portion 60 attached to the other of said portions. Male snap portion 60 and female snap portion 62 cooperate to close the packaging system in a releasable snap-fit manner.
FIG. 5d shows another alternative embodiment of the securing means wherein one of said portions is formed to overlap the other of said portions in a close-fit, secure manner. In particular, FIG. 5d shows first portion 14 comprising flap 63" formed therein and second portion 16 comprising flange 61 formed therein, flap 63 and flange 61 mutually cooperating to secure packing system 10 in a closed position.
FIGS. 6-8 show the packaging system 10 of the present invention comprising breakable sections 146, 246 and 346, respectively, located between razors for easily separating at least one razor 15 from the remaining plurality. FIG. 6, in particular, shows razors 15 nestled in pairs, each pair being separated by a breakable connection 146 such that once holder 112 is separated from packaging system 10, each razor pair can be selectively and easily separated from the other razors 15 remaining in the package.
FIG. 7 shows another embodiment wherein each razor 15 is individually packaged within its own breakaway portion so that each individual razor 15 can be separated from the package. Likewise, FIG. 8 shows still another embodiment of the present invention wherein razors 15 are nestled in pairs for space saving purposes and each razor 15 is individually packaged within its own breakaway portion 346. In this particular embodiment, however, breakaway section 346 is generally shaped around or shaped along the contours of each individual razor 15 thus enabling more efficient packaging. Though not illustrated, each of the breakaway casings are preferably selectively openable and reclosable for repeated uses.
Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, while the packaging system is generally made from a resilient plastic material, it may be desirable to construct one of the portions from a different material such as cardboard or an expanded synthetic resinous material such as STYROFOAM. Advantageously, the packaging system has a hinge located along one edge so that the packaging system will open in a uniform manner and stay together when in an open position, however, it may be desirable to construct the packaging system so that one of the portions is movably disposed relative to the other portion in a slide-like manner.
Preferably, one of the portions of the packaging system is transparent; however, in some instances it may be desirable to make one or both of the portions from a non-transparent material or, in some cases, it may be desirable to include various indicia such as sales information on one of the portions to attract the consumer or to otherwise increase sales.

Claims

A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors, comprising:

a plurality of razors (15);

a first portion (14) of the packaging system and a second portion (16) of the packaging system movably disposed relative to each other between a closed position and an open position;

at least one of said first portion (14) or said second portion (16) comprising means for releasably securing said plurality of razors (15) to said respective first (14) or said second (16) portion; and

means for maintaining said first portion (14) and said second portion (16) in said closed position, characterised in that at least one of said first (14) or said second (16) portion comprises a breakable connection (146;246;346) located between two of said plurality of said razors (15).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to Claim 1 wherein said securing means (24,26) positions said plurality of razors (15) in an upright position.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein said securing means (24,26) selectively maintains said plurality of razors in a nestled fashion.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of walls (25,27) connected to one of said portions (14,16), said walls defining a plurality of wells (30,32) which receive at least portions of said razors.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors according to any one of the preceding claims wherein both of said portions (14,16) comprise a plurality of walls (25,27), said walls defining a plurality of wells (30,32) which cooperate to receive at least portions of said razors (15).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein said walls (25,27) are integrally formed with one of said first portion (14) or said second portion (16).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said securing means comprises at least one positioning element (124,1265;224,226;324,326) extending from one of said first portion (14) or said second portion (16) for selectively positioning at least a portion of said razors (15).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said razor comprises a razor head (18) and a handle (20), said razor head being integrally formed with said handle.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein said means for maintaining said first portion and second portion in said closed position comprises a snap-fit mechanism (60,62).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein said means for maintaining said first portion and second portion in said closed position comprises a clasp (61,63).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein said means for maintaining said first portion and second portion in said closed position comprises VELCRO®.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein said means for maintaining said first portion and second portion in said closed position comprises an overlapping portion (63) extending from one of said first portion or said second portion.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said first portion (14) or said second portion (16) is transparent.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said first portion (14) or said second portion (16)comprises a thermoplastic material.
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion (14) is selectively separable from said second portion (16).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said first portion (14) and said second portion (16) are connected with a living hinge (23).
A razor packaging system (10) for displaying and storing a plurality of razors (15) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least said first portion (14) or said second portion (16) further comprises a plurality of breakable connections (146;246;346).