FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a packaging system for a personal care product having an outer sleeve with a window and an insert, capable of securing the personal product, inserted within the outer sleeve.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Packaging systems containing an outer sleeve, and an insert securing a personal care product that is inserted into an outer sleeve, are generally well known.
Personal care products are typically contained in a primary package. For example, a toothpaste composition is typically contained in a squeezable tube as the primary package. The secondary package can be an outer sleeve made from paperboard. For example, the tube of tooth paste is typically contained in an outer sleeve that is a rectangle box. This does not allow a shopper to see the primary package contained therein. Furthermore, this type of packaging system generally fails to connote a premium experience to the user.
The use of windows in secondary packaging are generally known and do provide an improved experience since the shopper views the product, in its primary package, through the window. The use of an insert secures the product so it does not move within the outer sleeve. However, many of these secondary packaging executions will have an insert that has a first shelf and second shelf that secures the primary package of the personal care package near the top and bottom of the primary package, respectively, such that the window of the outer sleeve is generally placed in the middle of the package so to conceal viewing the shelves of the insert (thereby highlighting the contained product). However, when the window is placed in the middle it divides the non-window portions such that there is a limited continuous area for messaging (such as graphics, brand names, advertising etc.). As such, the arrangement fails to provide a large continuous area for messaging to shopper, which is otherwise more impactful than the same area divided into two (particularly in a retail store environment with many products competing for a shopper's attention). Accordingly, there is a need for a packaging system wherein the insert can secure the personal care product while allowing for a relatively large window in the outer sleeve that is biased toward the top of the front side of the outer sleeve of the packaging system to allow for better graphic/messaging in the non-window portion (biased toward the bottom of the front side) that would otherwise be disrupted by a centrally located window.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention attempts to address one or more of these needs.
One aspect of the invention provides for a packaging system for a personal care product comprising an insert, capable of securing at least a first personal care product, inserted into an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a maximum height. The insert comprises: a first horizontal shelf located at from 30% to 60% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve; a second horizontal shelf, in a plane parallel to the first horizontal shelf, located from 5% to less than 30% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve; and a front vertical wall, and back vertical wall opposing the front vertical wall. The first horizontal shelf and the second horizontal shelf each connect between the front vertical wall and the back vertical wall. The first horizontal shelf and the second horizontal shelf each have at least a first through hole and a second through hole, respectively. The first and second through holes are configured to secure a first personal care product therethrough. The outer sleeve comprising a window occupying at least a portion of a front side of the outer sleeve located at from 30% to 100% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve. The front vertical wall of the insert is adjacent the front side of the outer sleeve.
Another aspect provides for a manufacturing method in making the said packaging system, wherein the insert is inserted through a bottom side of the outer sleeve and the top side of the outer sleeve is openable by the user.
One advantage of an example of the present invention is the packaging system, given the window is biased toward the top of the system, enables a shopper to view the middle portion as well as the upper or lower portion of the product (depending how the product is secured). This is particularly advantageous when the product (secured in the upright position) has a dispenser that is viewable by the shopper. Another example is where two or more personal care products (e.g., as part of a product regimen) are contained within the packaging system, wherein one product is secured in the upright position and the second product is secured in the downright position (e.g., shampoo and conditioner). In this example, the shopper will quickly realize that the contained products are part of a regimen versus a multi-pack (i.e., two more of the same product). This is particularly advantageous when the overall packaging system has a trapezoidal profile (i.e., the bottom side surface area is larger than the top side surface area).
Another advantage of an example of the present invention is the packaging system enables, during the manufacturing process, bottom side entry of the outer sleeve of the insert (and secured products), especially when the sides of the outer sleeve are angled in (e.g., when the outer sleeve has a trapezoidal profile). This allows the user to remove the secured product from the packaging system from the top side of the packaging system (thereby leaving the outer sleeve and insert behind).
Another advantage of an example of the present invention is an insert that secures the personal care product with improved integrity to withstand the manufacturing stresses (especially large volume, high speed processing) or transportation stresses (especially e-commerce). This contrasts with some inserts which overly rely on the product itself (i.e., primary package) for structural support.
Another advantage of an example of the present invention is a packaging system that has an overall trapezoidal profile, given the wider base (relative to the top), has greater stability, especially for those examples having two or more secured personal care products.
Another advantage of an example of the present invention is a packaging system that connotes a premium product where user will consider keeping the packaging system in their bathroom during the product's life span (versus discarding the packaging after initial opening it).
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those skilled in the art from the detailed description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly defining and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description of the accompanying figures.
FIG. 1 is a right perspective view of packaging system comprising an insert securing a personal care product, wherein the insert is inserted into an outer sleeve.
FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of the insert (without securing a product).
FIG. 3 is a left perspective view of the same insert as FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a right perspective view of the outer sleeve (neither containing the insert nor the personal care product).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used herein, the articles including “a”, “an”, and “the” are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.
As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “include”, “includes”, “including”, “contain”, “contains”, and “containing” are meant to be non-limiting, i.e., other steps and other sections which do not affect the end of result can be added. The above terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.
Turning to FIG. 1, a packaging system (1) for a personal care product(s) (11, 12) is provided. An insert (3), capable of securing at least a first personal care product (11), is inserted into an outer sleeve (5). Preferably the packaging system (1) further comprises an insert (3) capable of securing a second personal care product (12) (as shown in FIG. 1). Preferably the system (1) further comprises at least a first personal care product (11), more preferably further comprises a first personal care product (11) and a second personal care product (12) that is secured by the insert (3) (as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the system (1) comprises an insert (3) capable of securing three, four, or more personal care products (not shown); more preferably the system (1), in such an alternative example, further comprises such three, four, or more personal care products. Alternatively, the system (1) may be limited to an insert (3) capable of securing single first personal care product (11) (not shown); more preferably the system (1) in such an alternative example, further comprises a single first personal care product (11). Referring to FIG. 1, the first personal care product (11) and second personal care product (12) are secured vertically. Preferably the packaging system (1) secures all personal care products vertically. Each personal care product (e.g., 11, 12) has a product longitudinal axis (not shown) wherein the product longitudinal axis is orthogonal to the surface of which the packaging system (1) is intended to be displayed (e.g., a level retail store shelf). The personal care products can share the same primary packaging or different ones. The personal care products (e.g., 11, 12) can be secured vertically in the upright vertical position or the downright vertical position. In a preferred example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first personal care product (11) is in an upright vertical position whereas the second personal care product (12) is in a downright vertical position. In other words, the first personal care product (11) and second personal care product (12) are positioned vertically (along the product longitudinal axis) in opposite directions relative to each other (e.g., such that first personal product (11) has its dispenser pointed up and the second personal care product (12) has its dispenser pointed down). An advantage of such a configuration, is the shopper will readily appreciate that the first and second personal products (11, 12) form part of a treatment regimen, such a hair shampoo and hair conditioner. Preferably the first and second personal care products (11, 12) will share the same primary packaging (for cost effectiveness) but will differ from each other in graphics, color, messaging etc. Examples of personal care products (11, 12) include hair treatment products (e.g., shampoo, hair conditioner, hair coloring, etc.), skin treatment products (e.g., skin moisturizing, skin toner, cosmetics, lip stick, skin cleanser, body shampoo, etc.), oral care treatment products (e.g., toothpaste, tooth whitening, gel for tooth or gum, mouthwash, etc.). Preferably the personal care product is an oral care product. More preferably the oral care product is a dentifrice paste, yet still more preferably the dentifrice paste is a toothpaste, yet still even more preferably the first toothpaste product and the second toothpaste product are used in a regimen (e.g., user brushes teeth with the first toothpaste composition for one minute and immediately thereafter the user brushes teeth the second toothpaste composition for one minute (for a total of two minutes)). Preferably, the primary package for the personal care product(s), when provided as toothpaste product, is a squeezable tube with a flip top cap as the dispenser (wherein the dispenser functionally attached to the squeezable tube). The user will squeeze the squeezable tube to dispense the contained toothpaste composition from the orifice of the dispenser. Generally, such a primary package for the toothpaste product will contain about 50 grams to 300 grams (alternatively 100-200 grams) of a toothpaste composition. ORAL-B® and CREST® are two examples of famous toothpaste brands. In one example, the toothpaste product is a two-step regimen (e.g., the user brushes her teeth with the first toothpaste product for one minute, and then the user brushes her teeth with the second toothpaste product for another one minute).
FIG. 4 provides an outer sleeve (5) without the insert (3) and without personal products (11, 12) contained therein. The outer sleeve (5) has six sides. The outer sleeve (5) has a top side (9) and an opposing bottom side (7). The top side (9) is typically openable by the user (to retrieve the secured personal care product (not shown in FIG. 4)). The front side (37) and back side (58) of the outer sleeve (5) are opposing each other. The left side (92) and the right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5) connect the front side (37) and the back side (58) of the outer sleeve (5). In one example, the packaging system (1) is intended to be displayed such that the bottom side (7) contacts the display surface (e.g., level retail store shelf). Preferably the front side (37) and back side (58) are in planes parallel to each other, and orthogonal in bottom side (7) plane. The outer sleeve (5) has right side (91) and left side (92). Preferably, as in FIG. 4, the outer sleeve (5) has a trapezoidal profile wherein the left side (92) and the right (91) are angled. Accordingly, the top side (9) of the outer sleeve (5) has a planar area that is less than the planar area of the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably the top side (9) planar area is from 30% to 99%, more preferably from 40% to 80%, yet more preferably from 55% to 75%, alternatively from 60% to 70%, alternatively 66%, of the bottom side (7) planar area. The angle that either the left side (92) or right side (91) is from 0% to 30%, preferably from 2% to 20%, more preferably from 3% to 10%, relative to vertical (i.e., a plane orthogonal from the bottom side (7)). Examples of the top side (9) planar area is from 30 cm2 to 120 cm2, preferably 40 cm2 to 80 cm2, more preferably 50 cm2 to 70 cm2, alternatively about 62 cm2. Examples of the bottom side (7) planar area is from 45 cm2 to 180 cm2, preferably 70 cm2 to 120 cm2, more preferably 80 cm2 to 105 cm2, alternatively about 93 cm2.
The outer sleeve (5) has a maximum height (which is also the total maximum height of the packaging system (1) overall, and thus used herein interchangeably), wherein the maximum height is from 6 cm to 40 cm, preferably from 8 cm to 30 cm, more preferably from 10 cm to 20 cm, alternatively about 15 cm. For purposes of clarification, 0% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (or packaging system (1)) is located at the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5) whereas 100% of the maximum height is located at the top side (7) of the outer sleeve (5) (or packaging system (1)). The maximum length of the outer sleeve (5) is (which is also the maximum length of the packaging system (1) overall), measured along the length of the bottom side (7), is from 6 cm to 40 cm, preferably from 8 cm to 30 cm, more preferably from 10 cm to 20 cm, alternatively about 15 cm. The maximum width of the outer sleeve (5) is (which is also the total width of the packaging system (1) overall), is from 2 cm to 12 cm, preferably from 3 cm to 10 cm, more preferably from 4 cm to 7 cm, alternatively about 5 cm. The interior volume of the outer sleeve (5) (without contents) is from 200 cm3 to 5,000 cm3, preferably 500 cm3 to 3,000 cm3, more preferably 800 cm3 to 1,500 cm3, alternatively about 1,150 cm3.
Still referencing FIG. 4, the outer sleeve (5) comprises a window (35) occupying at least a portion of a front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably the window (35) also occupies a portion of the left side (92) or right side (91); more preferably the window occupies at least a portion of the left side (92) and the right side (92). Preferably the window is fixed (i.e., not intended to be openable by the user). Preferably the window does not occupy any portion of the top side (9). The front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5) may have a total planar area from 75 cm2 to 400 cm2, preferably 100 cm2 to 300 cm2, more preferably 175 cm2 to 225 cm2, alternatively about 203 cm2. The back side (58) may have a similar total planar area as the front side (37), preferably wherein the back side (58) dimensions mirror that of the front side (37). The window (35) may occupy, from an outer exterior perspective, from 20% to 60%, preferably from 25% to 55%, more preferably from 30% to 50%, alternatively about 40% of the total planar area of the front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5). The percentage balance of this total planar area of the front side (37) is a non-window portion (38a, 38b). The front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5) has at least one non-window portion (38a) located below the window (35), preferably the first non-window portion (38a) has a relatively large planar surface area to allow for messaging to the shopper (said messaging not shown), and optionally a second non-window portion (38b) above the window (35)).
Still referencing FIG. 4, the left side (92) or right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5) may each independently have a total planar area from 40 cm2 to 160 cm2, preferably 60 cm2 to 100 cm2, more preferably 70 cm2 to 90 cm2, alternatively about 80 cm2. The window (35) may occupy, from an outer exterior perspective, from 0% to 50%, preferably from 3% to 25%, more preferably from 5% to 20%, alternatively about 15% of the total planar area of the left side (92) or right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5). The outer sleeve (5) can be made from cardboard or paperboard, preferably paperboard. The window (35) is preferably made from plastic, wherein more preferably the plastic is clear or translucent, more preferably clear. Preferably the paperboard is cut-out and the window, wherein the window is a dimensionally larger than that of the cut-out area, is placed to cover the cut-out area and affixed (e.g., glue) so that the oversize portion of the window is fixed to the inside surface of the cardboard of the outer sleeve (5) (and thus not viewable from the exterior perspective). Preferably the window (35) is constructed from a single piece of plastic. The outer sleeve (5) (as well as the insert (3)) is made from cardboard or paperboard. The product longitudinal axis of the personal care product(s) (11, 12) are orthogonal to the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5) (e.g., when the system (1) is properly displayed on the level retail store shelf). Although reference is made to a level retail store shelf (throughout this Description), the packaging system (1) may also be hung for display/purchase where the hanger for the packaging system (1) is attached at or near the top side (9) of the outer sleeve (5).
FIGS. 2 and 3 provide the insert (3) without personal care products (11, 12) secured therein. The insert (3) comprises a first horizontal shelf (21) and a second horizontal shelf (22), and preferably a bottom horizontal shelf (23). These shelves (21, 22, 23) are at each height (relative to the maximum heights of the outer sleeve (5) when the insert (3) is inserted into the outer sleeve (5)). Furthermore, these shelves (21, 22, 23) are each in a plane parallel to the planes of the bottom side (7) and of the top side (9) of the outer sleeve (5). The first horizontal shelf (21) is located at from 30% to 60%, preferably 35-50%, alternatively from 35% to 45%, alternatively about 40%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). The second horizontal shelf (22), in a plane parallel to the first horizontal shelf (21), is located from 5% to less than 30%, preferably 10-20%, alternatively about 15%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). The optional, but preferable, bottom horizontal shelf (23), is in a plane to the first horizontal shelf (21) and/or to the second horizontal shelf (22). The bottom horizontal shelf (23) is located from 0% to less than 5%, preferably from 0% to 4%, alternatively about 0%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). The insert (3) further comprises a front vertical wall (25) and a back vertical wall (27) opposing the front vertical wall (25), wherein the first horizontal shelf (21) and the second horizontal shelf (22) (and preferably the bottom horizontal shelf (23)) each connect between the front vertical wall (25) and the back vertical wall (27). Preferably the front vertical wall (25) and the back vertical wall (27) each have a height at least equal to the height of the first horizontal shelf (21)). More preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the height of the back vertical wall (27) is almost the same as the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (but ever so slightly less so that the insert (3) is insert-able into the outer sleeve (5)). In one example, the back vertical wall (27) extends at or greater than 95%, alternatively at least 97%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5). In this example, the insert (3) generally provides greater structural stability in securing the personal care products (11,12) inside the outer sleeve (5) (as well as withstanding the mechanical stress associated with manufacturing, assembly, and/or transportation). The first horizontal shelf (21) and the second horizontal shelf (22) each comprise at least a first through hole (31) and a second through hole (32), respectively, wherein the first and second through holes (31, 32) are configured to secure, preferably frictionally secure, a first personal care product (11) therethrough. Preferably, as best illustrated in FIG. 1, the packaging system (1) comprises at least a first personal care product (11) that is secured by the first and second through holes (31, 32). Referencing FIGS. 2 and 3, preferably the first horizontal shelf (21) further comprises a third through-hole (33) and the second horizontal shelf (22) further comprises a fourth through-hole (34), wherein the third through-hole (33) and the fourth through-hole (34) are each configured to secure a second personal care product (12). Preferably, and again as best illustrated in FIG. 1, the packaging system (1) further comprise at least a second personal care product (12), wherein the third and fourth through-holes (33, 34) secure the second personal care product (12) therethrough. Preferably the personal care products (11, 12) are secured vertically (that is, when product longitudinal axis of the personal care product(s) (11, 12) are orthogonal to the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5) (e.g., when the system (1) is properly displayed on the level retail store shelf)). In one example, especially wherein a regimen is employed, at least the first and second products (11, 12) are secured in opposite directions (as previously described), the first through hole (31) and the third through hole (33) will have different cross sectional areas and/or cross sectional shapes to each other. And in this example, the second through hole (32) and the fourth through hole (34) will have different cross sectional areas and/or cross sectional shapes to each other.
Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, preferably the bottom horizontal shelf (23) of the insert (3), when present, does not have a through hole. Although not shown, the first and second horizontal shelves (21, 22) may comprises additional through holes (axially aligned), and additional personal care products secured therethrough. Upon the insert (3) inserted into the outer sleeve (5), the front vertical wall (25) of the insert (3) is adjacent the front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5), and the back vertical wall (27) of the insert (3) is adjacent the back side (58) of the outer sleeve (5). The insert (3) is preferably comprised of cardboard or paperboard, more preferably paperboard.
The outer sleeve (5) comprises a window (35) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. The window (35) occupies at least a portion of the front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5) located at from at least 30%, preferably from 30% to 100%, more preferably from 33% to 99%, yet more preferably from 35% to 99%, alternatively about 40%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). Preferably there is non-window portion (38a) of the front side (37) below 30%, or below 33%, or below 35%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably there is no window on the back side (58) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the window (35) occupies at least a portion of the left side (92) or the right side (91), more preferably both the left side (92) and the right side (91), located at least 30%, preferably from 30% to 100%, more preferably from 33% to 99%, yet more preferably from 35% to 99%, alternatively about 40%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5)). Preferably, although not shown, there is left side non-window portion of the left side (92) and/or a right side non-window portion (93) the right side (91), below 30%, or below 33%, or below 35%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5).
Referring FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the front vertical wall (25) does not obstruct the view (from an exterior perspective) through the window (35) (so the secured personal care product(s) (11, 12) can be viewed by a shopper). Preferably the maximum height of the front vertical wall (25) does not extend above the first horizontal shelf (21). In one example, the window (35) of the front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5) extends from at a height equivalent to the height of the first horizontal shelf (21) to less than 80% to 95% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). This provides potential advantages. Firstly, the first horizontal shelf (21) will not obstruct the exterior view through the window (35). And secondly, the second non-window portion (38b) at the very top of the front side (37) of the outer sleeve (5) to provide an area to affix the window to the inside surface of outer sleeve (5).
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the insert (3) may at least a first side flap (41) that is on either side of the insert (3). Although not shown in these figures (so the interior of the insert (3) is visible), the one or more side flaps (41) are essentially orthogonal to the first horizontal shelf (21) when the insert (3) is inserted into the outer sleeve (5). One or more of these side flaps may help in the structural integrity of the insert (3). Preferably the insert (3) comprises a second side flap (42) that is also essentially orthogonal to the first horizontal shelf (21), and wherein the second side flap (42) is essentially opposing the first side flap (41). Preferably there is a first line of hingeability (51) separating the first side flap (41) from the first horizontal shelf (21), as well as a second line of hingeability (52) separating the second side flap (42) from the first horizontal shelf (21). These lines of hingeability (51, 52) extend across the entire width of the horizontal shelf (21). These lines of hingeability (51, 52) are, in one example, fold lines (alternatively lines of perforations) where side flaps (41, 42) can be pushed downward when the insert (3) is inserted through the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5) (during the manufacturing process). Upon insertion, the first side flap (41) is adjacent the right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5) while the second side flap (42) is adjacent the left side (92) of the outer sleeve (5). The terms “essentially orthogonal” and “essentially opposing” are a recognition that the left and right sides (91, 92 respectively) of the outer sleeve (5) may not be completely vertical (i.e., not 90 degrees relative to the horizontal shelf (21)) given that preferred examples of the packaging system (1) have these left and right sides (91, 92) at an angle (to form a trapezoidal profile). The insert (3) may optionally comprise a third side flap (43) or fourth side flap (not shown) that are also essentially orthogonal to the second horizontal shelf (22), and wherein the third side flap (43) is essentially opposing the fourth side flap. Preferably there is a third line of hingeability (53) and optionally a fourth line of hingeability (not shown) separating the further side flap from the second horizontal shelf (22). Preferably the user will open the packing system (1) from the top side (9) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably the packing system (1) is assembled (i.e., during the manufacturing process) so the insert (3) and secured personal care product(s) (11, 12) are inserted through the bottom side (7) of the outer sleeve (5). In one example, the inside surface of the top side (9) and the bottom side (7) will contact the secured personal care product (11, 12) to provide extra points of securing the product (11, 12) within the outer sleeve (5).
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.”
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this 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.
Patent Application
20200216216
