FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an oral care article comprising a carton that is easy to open and has premium look.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rectangular cartons containing a tube of toothpaste are ubiquitous. Users often open the carton to access the tube of toothpaste from either side (i.e., smallest dimension of the sides). Users report being frustrated in opening a side panel and further frustrated by sometimes having to shake the carton to jostle the tube free from the interior of the carton (given the relatively small opening that is provided by the side panel). There is a need for users to more easily access the tube of toothpaste contained in the carton. Moreover, there is a need by manufacturers to connote a premium package and opening experience to users to provide a premium product and experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that a rectangular six sided cartons, suitable for containing a tube of toothpaste, can be engineered with a front/top flap that is capable of being unfolded open to expose the tube of toothpaste, which in turn, can be easily removed from the interior of the carton. The user grasps the finger tab of the front-top flap and separates the flap along a line of weakness. By having at least a portion of the line of weakness as a ½ cut, a relatively smooth exterior surface is provided (by which graphics and branding, etc., can be applied). The carton provides a premium impression and experience to users.
An advantage of the front-top flap is that the user can open the flap and expose a large enough area such that the tube of toothpaste can be easily removed without obstruction from the container.
Another advantage is the inside surface of the front-top flap can be provided with messaging so the manufacturer can be given another touch point to communicate with the user (that otherwise is not available in classic cartons (containing tubes of toothpaste)).
Another advantage is providing a line of weakness in the top side of the container, wherein at least a portion of the line of weakness is a ½ cut, so as to provide a high quality view of the packaging including branding or advertising (that comparatively may not be as evident from a line of weakness comprising perforations).
Another advantage is to provide a carton opening experience that allows the user to open the front-top flap across two adjoining sides of the package (i.e., the front and top sides) without the flap “hanging up” or otherwise becoming impeded (or other requiring unreasonable force by the user).
Another advantage is to provide a carton with enough of an opening (upon the front-top being opened) so that the user is able to remove the tube of dentifrice from inside cavity of the carton without the edges of the carton (around the opening) significantly impeding the removal of the tube.
Another advantage is providing the impression of a high quality carton to the user by not visually exposing any portion of the flaps (constituting the side panels) through the opening created by the opened front/top panel.
One aspect of the invention provides for an oral care article comprising a six sided rectangular carton capable of containing a tube of dentifrice, wherein the carton comprises:
(a) a front side, an adjoining top side, a back side opposing the front side, and a longitudinal axis passing along the length of the carton;
(b) a top side/back side edge is located at the interface of the top side and back side, wherein the top side/back side edge comprises a non-foldable edge and an adjacent foldable edge;
(c) a foldable/non-foldable intersection is located between the non-foldable edge and the foldable edge;
(d) a front side/top side edge is located at the interface of the front side and the top side, wherein the front side/top side edge comprises a non-moveable edge and an adjacent moveable edge;
(e) a movable/non-movable edge intersection is located between the non-moveable edge and the adjacent movable edge;
(f) a front-top flap defined by: a finger tab located at the front side integral to the moveable edge; a line of weakness essentially extending from the finger tab to the foldable/non-foldable intersection through the movable/non-movable edge intersection; and wherein the front-top flap is capable of unfolding open along the folding edge; and
(g) wherein at least a portion of the line weakness on the top side is a ½ cut line of weakness.
Another aspect of the invention provides the aforementioned oral care article further containing a tube of toothpaste.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of specific embodiments will become evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to limit the invention defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of an oral care article.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the oral care product of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the oral care product of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the oral care product of FIG. 1 wherein the front-top flap is unfolded open;
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the oral care product of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second example of an oral care article. The first example and second example differ in the type of line of weakness located at the front side of the carton.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the oral care product of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a top view of the oral care product of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a front view of the oral care product of FIG. 6 wherein the front-top flap is unfolded open;
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the oral care product of FIG. 6;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments of the present disclosure. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.
A perspectives views of a first oral care article and a second oral care article are provided in FIGS. 1 and 6, respectively. The oral care article (1) comprising a six sided rectangular carton (3) capable of containing a tube of dentifrice (not shown). The carton (3) can be constructed out of cardboard, paperboard, corrugate, plastic, etc., preferably paperboard. The carton (3) comprises a front side (5), an adjoining a top side (7), a back side (9) opposing the front side (5). A bottom side (not shown) opposes the top side (7). A longitudinal axis (10) passes along the length (i.e., longest dimension) of the carton (3). The left side (83) opposes the right side (81), wherein the left side (83) and right side (81) are both orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10). A top side/back side edge (12) is located at the interface of the top side (7)-and the back side (9), wherein the top side/back side edge (12) comprises non-foldable edge(s) (22A, 22B) and an adjacent foldable edge (32); or preferably, as in FIGS. 1 and 6, a left non-foldable edge (22A) and a right non-foldable edge (22B), and a foldable edge (32) therein between. The non-foldable edges (22A, 22B) and foldable edge (32) are essentially contiguous (when the carton (3) is in the closed position). A foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A or 23B) is located between the non-foldable edge (22A or 22B) and the foldable edge (32); or preferably as in FIG. 1, a left foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A) is located between the left non-foldable edge (22A) and the foldable edge (32), and a right foldable/non-foldable intersection (23B) is located between the right non-foldable edge (22B) and the foldable edge (32). A front side/top side edge (25) is located at the interface of the front side (5) and the top side (7), wherein the front side/top side edge (25) comprises a non-moveable edge (34A or 34B) and an adjacent moveable edge (44); or preferably as in FIG. 1, a front side/top side edge (25) is located at the interface of the front side (5) and the top side (7), wherein the front side/top side edge (25) comprises a left non-moveable edge (34A) and a right non-movable edge (34B), and a moveable edge (44) therein between. The non-movable edges (34A, 34B) and moveable edge (44) are essentially contiguous (when the carton (3) is in the closed position). A movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A or 33B) is located between the non-moveable edge (34A or 34B) and the adjacent movable edge (44); or preferably as in FIG. 1, a left movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A) is located between the left non-moveable edge (34A) and the adjacent movable edge (44), and a right movable/non-movable edge intersection (33B) is located between the right non-moveable edge (34B) and the adjacent movable edge (44). A front-top flap (51) is defined by a finger tab (53) located at the front side (5) integral to the moveable edge (44), a line of weakness (55A or 55D) essentially extending from the finger tab (53) to the foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A or 23B) through the movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A or 33B), and wherein the front-top flap (51) is capable of unfolding open along the folding edge (32). Preferably, as in FIG. 1, a front-top flap (51) is defined by a finger tab (53) located at the front side (5) integral to the moveable edge (44), a left line of weakness (55A) essentially extending from the finger tab (53) to the left foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A) through the left movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A), a right line of weakness (55D) essentially extending from the finger tab (53) to the right foldable/non-foldable intersection (23B) through the right moveable/non-movable edge intersection (33B), and wherein the front-top flap (51) is capable of unfolding open along the folding edge (32). The difference between the oral care article (1) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 is the type of line of weakness (55A and 55D) on the front side (5) of the carton (3).
½ Cut Line of Weakness
A line of weakness may include any suitable type including, for example, perforation lines, die cut lines, or score, to facilitate the opening (i.e., at least partial removal) of the front-top flap (51). In the present invention, referencing FIGS. 1 and 6, and the top views of FIGS. 3 and 8, notably at least a portion of the line weakness (55B, 55C) on the top side (7) is a ½ cut line of weakness. Preferably a majority of the portion of the line weakness (55B, 55C) on the top side (7) is a 1/2 cut line of weakness. “Majority” means more than 50% of the total length of the line of weakness (of the top side (7)). More preferably, substantially all of the line weakness (55B, 55C) of the top side (7) is a ½ cut line of weakness. “Substantially all” means at or greater than 90% of the total length of the line of weakness (located at the top side (7) of the carton (3))
A “½ cut line of weakness” means a line of weakness formed when a first die having a first blade cuts into the carton precursor (e.g., paperboard) about halfway through its thickness and an opposing second die having a second blade also cuts into the carton precursor about halfway through the thickness. The cuts made by the respective blades are made in a direction transverse relative to the thickness of the carton precursor. The cuts (for the first and second blades) are not made directly opposing each other, but rather, in a distance from each other from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 8 mm, more preferably from 4 mm to 7 mm. Accordingly, each cut line (from the first and second blade) will generally mimic the other (but at the indicated distances). The user, upon unfolding open the front-top flap (51), is delaminating the carton precursor between the two cut lines. In one example, the carton precursor is a paperboard having a basis weight of 350 grams per square meter. The paperboard is made from 100% virgin paper. Preferably the paperboard is printed with the desired branding and graphics etc., (on both sides) before being subjected to the aforementioned die cutting.
A method of opening an oral care article (1) is provided. The method comprising the step of (the user) grasping the finger tab (53) and opening the front-top flap (51) by separating the front-top flap along the line of weakness (55A, 55B, 55C, 55D). FIGS. 4 and 5, and 9 and 10 show the carton (3) in an unfolded open position.
Angle Theta
Referencing the top view of FIGS. 3 and 8, the oral care article (1) further comprises an angle theta (65A) formed between an intersecting first plane (61) and a second plane (62). The first plane (61) is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10) and intersects the foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A). The second plane (62) is between the foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A) and the movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A). At least one angle theta (65A) is selected from 3 degrees to 15 degrees, preferably from 5 degrees to 11 degrees, more preferably from 7 degrees to 9 degrees. Preferably the oral care article (1) of the present invention comprises both a left angle theta (65A) and a right angle theta (65B). The left angle theta (65A) is formed between an intersecting first plane (61) and a second plane (62). The first plane is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10) and intersects the left foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A). The second plane (62) is between the left foldable/non-foldable intersection (23A) and the left movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A). The left angle theta (65A) is from 3 degrees to 15 degrees, preferably from 5 degrees to 11 degrees, more preferably from 7 degrees to 9 degrees. The right angle theta (65B) is formed between a third plane (63) and a fourth plane (64). The third plane (63) is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10) and intersects the right foldable/non-foldable intersection (23B). The fourth plane (64) is between the right foldable/non-foldable intersection (23B) and the right movable/non-movable edge intersection (33B). The right angle theta (65B) is from 3 degrees to 15 degrees, preferably from 5 degrees to 11 degrees, more preferably from 7 degrees to 9 degrees. More preferably, the left angle theta (65A) and the right angle theta (65B) are both the same angle.
Line of Weakness of the Front Side
Referencing the front view of FIGS. 2 and 7, the carton (3) preferably comprises at least a portion of the line of weakness (55A, 55D) of the front side (5) selected from the group consisting of ½ cut line of weakness, a cut through line of weakness, or a combination thereof. “Cut through” line of weakness means a line of weakness made when at least a first die has a blade that is serrated such that there is a repeating pattern of a portion of the serrated blade cutting through the entire thickness of the carton precursor and while another adjoining portion that does not (e.g., cutting only partially or not at all). For example, the portion of the blade cutting through the entire thickness of the carton precursor may be a single linear portion or in a “V-shaped” pattern portion wherein each side of the “V” is about 150 degrees apart. The user, upon unfolding open the front-top flap (51), is breaking apart those portions that are not cut through the entire thickness of the carton precursor. Given that most of the cut through line of weakness is held together by relatively small areas of the carton precursor (e.g., paperboard) that remains intact, the user need not exert a significant amount of effort to unfold the front-top flap (51) open.
FIG. 2 shows the carton (3) with at least a portion of the line of weakness (55A and 55D) as a cut through line of weakness wherein the carton (3) as FIG. 7 does not.
Preferably a majority of the line of weakness (55A, 55D) of the front side (5) is either a 1/2 cut line of weakness or a cut through line of weakness. FIG. 2 is an example of where the majority of the line of weakness (55A, 55D) of the front side (5) is a cut through line of weakness. FIG. 7 is an example where the majority of the line of weakness (55A, 55D) of the front side (5) is a ½ cut line of weakness. “Majority” means more than 50% of the total length of the line of weakness (of the front side (5)).
Finger Tab
Referencing the front view of FIGS. 2 and 7, the finger tab (53) is located on the front side (5) of the carton (3). The finger tab (53) is where the user will engage the carton (3) to begin unfolding open the front-top flap (51). The finger tab (53) may be simply a small finger opening (91) such that the user can insert a digit to begin the unfolding open process (of the front-top flap (51)) or be defined (at least in part) by a line of weakness (e.g., perforations) (not shown) so the user pushes or pulls on the finger tab (53) to begin the unfolding open process. Alternatively, the finger tab (53) is not an opening but rather a free flap (not shown) that covers what otherwise would be an opening (i.e., attached by a hinge or fold). Optionally there could be an arrow and/or instructions or similar indicia (not shown) indicating to the user to engage the finger tab to initiate unfolding open the front-top flap (51). The front-top flap (51) is defined in part by the finger tab (53). In turn, the finger tab (53) comprises a leading edge (59) distal from the moveable edge (44) (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10)). Preferably, the leading edge is generally centrally located of the front side (5) of the carton (3). More preferably, the leading edge (59) of the finger tab (53) is located in the middle ⅓, preferably middle ⅕, of the width of the front side (5) (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10)). More preferably, the leading edge (59) of the finger tab (53) is located in the middle ⅓, preferably in the middle ⅕, of the length (along the longitudinal axis (10)) of the front side (5). Without wishing to be bound by theory, if the leading edge (59) is located too close to the moveable edge (44) (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10)), unfolding open the front-top flap (51) becomes difficult to the user. However, if the leading edge is located too far from the moveable edge (44) (in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10)), the carton (3) becomes susceptible to being crushed (by force being pressed in a plane orthogonal to longitudinal axis (10)). This is particularly true, in shipping and handling when many of these oral care articles (1) comprising cartons (3) and contained tubes of dentifrice therein, are stacked upon each or otherwise subjected to external forces. Without wishing to be bound by theory, if the leading edge (59) is located on either end (81, 83) of the carton (3), unfolding open the front-top flap (51) may become difficult to the user. Preferably the carton (3) generally has bilateral symmetry (at a midpoint in the length of the carton (3) along the longitudinal axis (10)) with respect to the front-top flap (51) (and line of weakness (55A, 55B, 55C, 55D))
FIG. 7 is an example where the majority of the line of weakness (55A, 55D) of the front side (5) is a ½ cut line of weakness. Except, however, the locations immediately adjacent on either side of a leading edge (59) of the finger tab (53) wherein the line of weakness (55A, 55D) terminates to provide an area without a line of weakness to help prevent the front-top flap (51) from accidently opening as result of stresses exerted on the carton (3) from shipping and handling.
Preferably the finger tab (53) is comprised of a single layer (e.g., paperboard). Depending upon the construction of the carton (3), the paperboard may be glued to together in certain areas to form a double layer (or more) of paperboard. It is preferred the finger tab (54) and/or double layer are not overlapping as to avoid manufacturing complexity or importantly harm the structural integrity of the double layer by providing a line of weakness through the two layers or providing a finger opening (91) through the two layers.
Angle Alpha
Referencing the front view of FIGS. 2 and 7, the carton (3) comprises an angle alpha (61A) formed between an intersecting fifth plane (65) and a sixth plane (66). Alternatively, the carton (3) comprises: a left angle alpha (61A) formed between an intersecting fifth plane (65) and a sixth plane (66A); and a right angle alpha (66B) formed between an intersecting fifth plane (65) and seventh plane (67). The fifth plane (65) is along the front side/top side edge (25) (parallel with the longitudinal axis (10)) intersecting the movable/non-moveable intersection (33A and/or 33B). Preferably, the fifth plane is along the front side-top side edge (25) intersecting the left movable/non-moveable intersection (33A). The sixth plane (66) is between the left movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A) and a mid-point (57) of the leading edge (59) of the finger tab (53). The seventh plane (67) is between the mid-point (57) of the leading edge (59) of the finger tab (53) and the right movable/non-movable edge intersection (33B). Angle alpha (61A) is from 5 degrees to 20 degrees, preferably from 8 degrees to 18 degrees, more preferably from 10 degrees to 16 degrees, for example 12 degrees to 14 degrees. Preferably, the carton (3) has both a left angle alpha (61A) and a right angle alpha (61B), wherein each angle alpha (61A, 61B) is each independently selected from 5 degrees to 20 degrees, preferably from 8 degrees to 18 degrees, more preferably from 10 degrees to 16 degrees, for example 12 degrees to 14 degrees. More preferably, the left angle alpha (61A) and the right angle alpha (61B) are the same angle.
Referencing FIG. 2, there is a prominent curve in the line of weakness (55A and 55D) of the front side (5) adjacent the movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A and 33B, respectively). When the line of weakness is a cut through line of weakness, the radius of this curve is from 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, alternatively about 3 mm. Similarly referencing FIG. 7, there is rather prominent curve in the line of weakness (55A and 55D) for the front side (5) adjacent the movable/non-movable edge intersection (33A and 33B, respectively). When the line of weakness is a ½ cut line of weakness, the outer radius is from 2.7 mm to 6.7 mm, preferably from 3.7 mm to 5.7 mm, alternatively about 4.7 mm. The inner radius (referencing FIG. 10), is from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, alternatively about 2 mm. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this prominent curve helps to improve the ease of opening the front-top flap (51) for the user, and may even reduce the failure rate of opening.
Messaging
One advantage of the present invention is providing another touch point for manufacturers to communicate with users. Referencing FIGS. 4 and 5, and 9 and 10, an inside surface (77) of the front-top flap (51) of the carton (3) comprises a message (86). Preferably the message is on the inside surface (77) corresponding to the top side (7) of the carton when the front top flap (51) is in the (folded) closed position. The message (86) may include branding, slogans, advertising, instructions, and the like, to the user. In one non-limiting example, the message is text that states: “Protect your gums effectively. Gentle without irritation.”
Dimensions
One advantage of the present invention is providing carton (3) with enough of an opening (upon the front-top flap (51) unfolded upon) so that the user is able to remove contents without any edges of the opening significantly impeding the removal of the contents. According, preferably the front-top flap (51) is capable of exposing from 17% to 40% of the total surface area of the six sided rectangular carton (3) upon the front-top flap (51) unfolding open (relative to the unopened carton).
Another advantage is providing the impression of a high quality carton (3) to the user by not visually exposing any portion of the flaps (constituting a portion of the panels that form the left and right sides (83, 81)) through the opening created by the unfolded open front-top flap (51). Accordingly, referencing FIGS. 5 and 10, the carton (3) is preferably comprises of a non-openable portion of the top side (7) which comprises of an upper layer (not shown) (i.e., outermost) and one or more non-upper layers (not shown) (e.g., tuck from a side panel) opposing the upper layer, wherein the upper layer has a length longer than all of the one or more non-upper layers (measuring in a plane along the longitudinal axis (10)). Preferably this holds true for both the left non-openable portion (71A) and the right non-openable portion (71B).
In another example, still referencing the carton (3) of FIGS. 5 and 10, the length (measured in a plane along the longitudinal axis (10)) of a non-openable portion (71A) of the top side (7) immediately adjacent the top side/back side edge (12), is shorter than the length of a non-openable portion (71A) of the top side (7) immediately adjacent the front side/top side edge (25). Preferably this is true for both the left non-openable portion (71A) and the right non-openable portion (71B). The six sided rectangular carton (3) may be capable of containing an interior volume, when devoid of contents, is from 300 cm3 to 900 cm3; alternatively 400 cm3 to 800 cm3, alternatively from 500 cm3 to 700 cm3. The six sided rectangular carton (3) may have the following dimensions: length of the container is from 10 cm to 40 cm (measured along the longitudinal axis (10)); width of the container is from 3 cm to 9 cm; and height of the carton (3) is from 2 cm to 8 cm; alternatively the length of the carton (3) is from 18 cm to 30 cm; the width of the carton (3) is from 4 cm to 8 cm, the height of the carton (3) is from 3 cm to 7 cm.
Having the proper dimensional relationship between the opening of the carton (3) and the tube of dentifrice is important in providing one or more of the advantages described herein. Accordingly, referencing FIGS. 4 and 5, and 9 and 10, the carton (3), the length (measured in a plane along the longitudinal axis (10)) of an exposed opening (75) of the top side (7) immediately adjacent the top side/back side edge (12) is at the same or greater than the length (i.e., longest dimension) of the tube of dentifrice that is containable in the carton (3). Preferably the carton (3) contains the tube of dentifrice. The term “tube” is used broadly herein to include a suitable package suitable for containing dentifrice. The tube may have, for example, a screw cap or flip top cap or snap-on cap that the user may use to dispense the dentifrice. Preferably the dentifrice is toothpaste which the user dispenses to a toothbrush. The tube of dentifrice may contain from 5 g to 300 g of dentifrice, alternatively from 80 g to 250 g of dentifrice.
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.”
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.
Patent Application
20180170646
