PACKAGING FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Abstract

Packaging for consumer products (10), comprising: a sheet (30) of malleable material comprising a first hang tag section (32) defining a first hang tag opening (40), a second hang tag section (34) defining a second hang tag opening (42), a third hang tag section (36) defining a third hang tag opening (44) located between a pair of openings (52, 54), and a fourth hang tag section (38) defining a fourth hang tag opening (46), wherein the sheet has a folded position in which the first hang tag opening (42), the second hang tag opening (44) and the third hang tag opening (46) are aligned with each other, and wherein the third hang tag section (36) is folded onto the fourth hang tag section (38) such that the fourth hang tag section (38) has an exposed area (56, 58) within the respective opening (52, 54) on which adhesive is applied.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to packaging for consumer products and in particular foldable packaging for consumer products. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Consumer products incorporate more innovation to provide consumers with enhanced user experiences. However, innovative consumer products are more expensive and therefore more likely to be stolen from store shelves. Shoplifters typically seek out products that are compact, relatively expensive, and can be resold at close to retail price. For example, razors and razor blade units are typically expensive, small, have a high resale value, and are in high demand, especially for premium brands. Similar to razors and razor blades, electric toothbrushes and their corresponding replacement heads are also frequently stolen by shoplifters. Teeth whitening strips are another oral hygiene product with a high theft rate in retail stores. Furthermore, with the continued development of e-commerce, the shoplifting industry is growing due to the easier opportunity to sell stolen products online.

[0003] Consumer product companies and retailers typically use plastic blister packs because they are more difficult for shoplifters to tear open. However, due to increasing global environmental concerns, manufacturers are now striving to adopt more environmentally friendly packaging. Plastic packaging is also frustrating for legitimate consumers because it is difficult to open without a sharp tool. Consequently, more packaging is being designed using paper-based materials. However, paper-based packaging is easier to tear, especially when anti-theft tags are attached to the hang tag section of the package. Despite using established packaging techniques, there remains a need to further modify consumer product packaging to deter product theft while providing more sustainable packaging. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect, the invention generally comprises packaging for consumer products, consisting of a sheet of malleable material with a first hang tag section defining a first hang tag opening, a second hang tag section defining a second hang tag opening, and a third hang tag section defining a third hang tag opening. The sheet is folded in such a way that the first hang tag opening, the second hang tag opening, and the third hang tag opening are aligned with each other.

[0005] Another aspect of the invention is, in general, a consumer package comprising a top and a reinforced hang tag extending from the top. The reinforced hang tag has a first hang tag section defining a first hang tag opening, a second hang tag section defining a second hang tag opening, and a third hang tag section defining a third hang tag opening. The second hang tag section is arranged between the first hang tag section and the third hang tag section.

[0006] A sheet of malleable material includes a first hang tag section, defining a first hang tag opening, and a second hang tag section, defining a second hang tag opening. A fold line is located between the first and second hang tag sections. The sheet of malleable material has a third hang tag section, defining a third hang tag opening, and a fourth hang tag section, defining a fourth hang tag opening. A fold line is located between the third and fourth hang tag sections. The sheet of malleable material has a first box and a second box. A first top section is positioned between the second hang tag section and the first box.A second top section is positioned between the fourth hang tag section and the second field. A fold line is positioned between the first top section and the first field. A fold line is positioned between the second top section and the second field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1A is a first perspective view of a possible embodiment of packaging for consumer products. Fig. 1B is a second perspective view of the packaging for consumer products by Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the packaging for consumer products made of Fig. 1A with a security label. Fig. Figure 3 is a front view of a sheet made of malleable material. Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of the sheet of malleable material in a folded position. Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of the sheet of malleable material in a folded position. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of the sheet of malleable material in a folded position. Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of the sheet of malleable material in a folded position. Fig. Figure 8 is a front view of the sheet of malleable material in a folded position. Fig. Figure 9 is a front view of the sheet of malleable material in a folded position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In relation to Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a possible embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a first and a second perspective view of a consumer product packaging 10. As explained in more detail below, the consumer product packaging 10 can be folded from a sheet of malleable material to produce a box-like shape containing one or more consumer products. The consumer product packaging 10 can include a reinforced hang tag 12 with a reinforced hang tag hole 14. The hang tag hole 14 can have any shape, such as a circle, an oval, a triangle, or a rectangle. Although the hang tag hole 14 is illustrated as a confined opening, the hang tag hole can be unconfined (e.g., a "J" or hook-shaped configuration). The reinforced hang tag 12 can extend from a top surface 16 of the consumer product packaging 10.In certain embodiments, the reinforced hang tag 12 can extend transversely to the top surface 16. The consumer product packaging 10 can have a bottom surface 18 opposite the top surface 16. The consumer product packaging 10 can have a front surface 20 and an opposing back surface 22 extending transversely to the top surface 16 and the bottom surface 18. A first side surface 24 and a second side surface 26 of the consumer product packaging 10 can extend transversely to the bottom surface 18, front surface 20, top surface 16, and back surface 22. As explained in more detail below, the reinforced hang tag 12 can be composed of several layers of material, e.g., three, four, or more layers.In certain embodiments, however, the different sides of the packaging for consumer products 10 (the bottom 18, the side surfaces 24 and 26, the top 16, the front 20 and the back 22) can consist of only a single layer of material to save material costs and complexity.

[0008] The reinforced hang tag 12 can facilitate the unauthorized removal of security devices attached to the reinforced hang tag structure 12, such as the one in Fig. 2. Security label 28 shown. In certain embodiments, the security label 28 can be attached to the reinforced hang tag 12 through the reinforced hang tag hole 14. The security label 28 can be removed by store personnel using a magnetic or mechanical key without damaging the consumer product packaging 10. If the consumer product packaging 10 leaves the store without the security label 28 having been removed, the security label 28 can trigger a store anti-theft system to notify the store personnel. In certain embodiments, the security label 28 can engage with a display hook 29; however, it is understood that the consumer product packaging 10 can also be placed on a shelf with the security label 28 attached, instead of being hung on the display hook 29.Unauthorized removal of the security label 28 can be more difficult with the reinforced hang tag 12 than with other conventional consumer packaging, especially if the packaging is made from sustainable materials such as cardboard. Accordingly, the reinforced hang tag may include cardboard but still exhibit the same strength as conventional plastic blister packs.

[0009] An important property of consumer packaging is the tensile strength of hang tags. Three- and four-ply folded cardboard constructions showed superior hang tag tensile strength compared to one- and two-ply constructions of the same material, and equivalent hang tag tensile strength compared to typical plastic blister packs. The hang tag behavior can be simulated in laboratory tests to measure the force required to remove the security tag 28 from the consumer product packaging 10. The security tag 10 can be attached to a multi-dimensional force gauge. The consumer product packaging 10 can then be torn away from the security tag 28 by a laboratory technician to obtain force gauge measurements that can include a resulting peak force.The force measurements can then be used to compare different packaging designs. Three- and four-ply cardboard constructions proved to be as strong as, or even stronger than, a conventional blister pack design with a plastic film and closure card. Common one- and two-ply hang tag designs did not achieve the same pull-off force as blister packs.

[0010] In relation to Fig. Figure 3 shows a front view of a sheet of malleable material 30 in its unfolded position. The sheet of malleable material 30 can be die-cut from a single sheet of material. The sheet of malleable material 30 can include cardboard, carton, and / or paper bags. The sheet of malleable material 30 can contain one or more cellulose-based products, such as cardboard, paperboard, sheets of paper, bamboo, and other sustainable, compostable, biodegradable, or recycled / recyclable materials. The sheet of malleable material 30 can have one or more surfaces that are coated and / or printed with graphics. However, it is understood that graphics can be applied at any stage of the process. For example, labels can be applied to the packaging for consumer products 10 instead of, or in addition to, two graphics printed directly onto the sheet of malleable material 30. Fig. 1A) be applied.

[0011] Sheet 30 can be folded, glued, or otherwise fastened into a final folded position, thus creating the packaging for consumer products 10, as shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows that in certain embodiments, the folding and gluing can be performed in several steps. For example, a first supplier can cut the sheet 30, apply adhesive, and fold certain sections of the sheet 30 before sending it to a different location for final fold assembly, where the product is added. Alternatively, all steps can be performed in a single operation.

[0012] Sheet 30 can include a first, second, third, and fourth hang tag section 32, 34, 36, and 38, defining a first, second, third, and fourth hang tag opening 40, 42, 44, and 46. As explained in more detail below, the four hang tag sections 32, 34, 36, and 38 can overlap and be sealed together to form the reinforced hang tag structure 12 ( Fig. 1A). In certain embodiments, the sheet 30 made of malleable material can have a thickness of approximately 0.3 mm to approximately 0.6 mm. Accordingly, the reinforced hang tag structure 12 ( Fig. 1A) have a thickness of 1.2 mm to approximately 2.4 mm, resulting in a significantly more stable construction. Furthermore, the adhesive applied between the four different hang tag sections 32, 34, 36, and 38 can further improve the strength of the hang tag structure 12.

[0013] A fold line 48 may be positioned between the first hang tag section 32 and the second hang tag section 34. It is understood that fold lines can encompass numerous different manufacturing options to facilitate the assembly process. When forming and folding a carton, the folding steps may be facilitated by break lines, cut lines, perforations, partial cuts, slits, score lines, or a combination thereof. The term "fold line" is used as a general description for any of these techniques, which can be employed to facilitate precise folding along a predetermined path. A fold line 50 may also be present between the third hang tag section 36 and the second hang tag section 38.

[0014] In relation to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a front view of sheet 30, with the first hang tag section 32 and the third hang tag section 36 folded along their respective fold lines 48 and 50. Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of sheet 30, with the first hang tag section 32 folded over the second hang tag section 34 and the third hang tag section 36 folded over the fourth hang tag section 38. The fold lines 48 and 50 can facilitate the precise placement of the respective hang tag sections 32, 34, 36, and 38. Accordingly, the hang tag opening 40 is aligned with the hang tag opening 42, and the hang tag opening 44 with the hang tag opening 46, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that in certain embodiments, an adhesive can be applied to the first hang tag section 32 and / or the second hang tag section 34 to seal them together. Sealing the first and second hang tag sections 32 and 34 can improve the overall strength of the reinforced hang tag 14 (e.g., compared to simply folding them together). Similarly, an adhesive can be applied to the third hang tag section 36 and / or the fourth hang tag section 38 to seal them together.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the third hang tag section 36 can define one or more openings 52 and 54. The third hang tag opening 44 can be positioned between the two openings 52 and 54. As explained in more detail below, when the third hang tag section 36 is folded onto the fourth hang tag section 38, the fourth hang tag section 38 can have one or more exposed areas 56 and 58 within the respective openings 52 and 54 to improve the strength of the reinforced hang tag hole 14. The geometry of the exposed areas 56 and 58 can include circular or elongated shapes with different radii and dimensions, and also complex geometries such as polymetric shapes, grid patterns, or mesh patterns to improve sealing.

[0016] In relation to Fig. 5 and Fig. Sheet 30 can include a first field 60 and a second field 62. The second hang tag section 34 can extend from the first field 60, and the fourth hang tag section 38 can extend from the second field 62. A first side field 64 can be positioned between the first field 60 and the second field 62. The first side field 64 can include an upper flap 66 at one end and a lower flap 68 at the other end. A second side field 70 can extend from the first field 60. The second side field 70 can include an upper flap 72 at one end and a lower flap 74 at the other end. A side flap 76 can extend from the second side field 70, so that the second side field 70 can be positioned between the side flap 76 and the first field 60.

[0017] A fold line 78 can be positioned between the side flap 76 and the second side panel 70. A fold line 80 can be positioned between the second side panel 70 and the first panel 60. Accordingly, the side flap 76 can be folded towards the second side panel 70, and the second side panel 70 can be folded towards the first panel 60. A fold line 82 can be positioned between the first panel 60 and the first side panel 64. Accordingly, the first side panel 64 can be folded towards the first panel 60, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows that a fold line 84 can be positioned between the first side panel 64 and the second panel 62. Accordingly, the second panel 62 can be folded towards the first side panel 64, as shown in Fig. 6 shown. The second field 62 can be folded over to touch the side flap 76, as shown in Fig. 7 shown. In this way, the side wall 70 of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 to side surface 26 of the packaging for consumer products 10. Also the second field 62 of the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 can be in the final assembly position, as shown in Fig. As shown in 1A, the first side wall 60 can become the front 20. Similarly, in the final assembly position, the first side wall 60 can become the rear 22, as shown in Fig. 1B shown.

[0018] In relation to Fig. 6 and Fig. The first lower section 86 can extend from the first section 60, and a second lower section 88 can extend from the second section 62. A fold line 90 can be positioned between the second section 62 and the second lower section 88. A fold line 92 can be positioned between the first section 60 and the first lower section 86. A fold line 94 can be positioned between the flap 74 and the first side section 64. A fold line 96 can be positioned between the flap 74 and the second side section 70. Fold lines 94 and 96 may facilitate folding the respective flaps 68 and 74 downwards (e.g., towards each other). Fold lines 90 and 92 may facilitate folding the second lower section 88 and the first lower section 86, respectively. The first lower field 86 and the second lower field 88 can be folded over the tabs 68 and 74 to form the bottom 18 ( Fig. 1B).

[0019] Tabs 66 and 72 may have corresponding fold lines 98 and 100, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows that fold lines 98 and 100 can make it easier to fold tabs 66 and 72 inwards towards each other, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shown. Sheet 30 can have a fold line 102 between a first top section 104 and the first field 60. Sheet 30 can also have a fold line 106 between a second top section 108 and the second field 62. The fold lines 102 and 106 can make it easier to fold the first top section 104 and the second top section 108 together to form the top 16 ( Fig. 1A). For example, the first top section 104 can be arranged on one side of the reinforced hang tag 12 and the second top section 108 can be arranged on the other side of the reinforced hang tag 12, as shown in Fig. 9 shown. A fold line 110 can be positioned between the first top section 104 and the second hang tag section 34. A fold line 112 can be positioned between the fourth hang tag section 38 and the second top section 108, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shown. The fold lines 110 and 112 can facilitate folding the first and second hang tag sections 32 and 34 towards the third and fourth hang tag sections 36 and 38. It is understood that a product (not shown) can be inserted into the consumer product packaging 10 before the first and second hang tag sections 32 and 34 are folded towards the third and fourth hang tag sections 36 and 38 and sealed together. In certain embodiments, the first hang tag section 32 can be sealed to the third hang tag section 36 with adhesive. The exposed areas 56 and 58 ( Fig. 8) Adhesive can also be applied so that the fourth hang tag section 38 can be sealed directly to the first hang tag section 32 to improve security and strength.

[0020] The resulting design provides the packaging for consumer products 10 of Fig. 1A. The single sheet 30 can, through a series of folding and sealing steps, produce the first hang tag section 32, defining a first hang tag opening 40; the second hang tag section 34, defining a second hang tag opening 42; a third hang tag section 36, defining a third hang tag opening 44; and a fourth hang tag section 38, defining a fourth hang tag opening 46, which overlap in a folded position to form the reinforced hang tag 12. The third hang tag section 36 and the second hang tag section 34 can be positioned between the first hang tag section 32 and the fourth hang tag section 38.In the folded position, the first hang tag opening 40, the second hang tag opening 42, the third hang tag opening 44, and the fourth hang tag opening 46 can be aligned to form the reinforced hang tag hole 14. It is understood that the reinforced hang tag 12 ( Fig. 1A and Fig. 9) can include three, four or more overlapping layers of the sheet 30, thereby improving the strength of the attachment hole 14.

[0021] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​stated. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each of these dimensions should have the meaning of the stated value and a functionally reasonable range surrounding that value. For example, the dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is equivalent to "about 40 mm". Furthermore, dimensions should not be bound to an impossibly high standard of metaphysical identity that permits no discrepancies due to typical manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, the term "about" should be interpreted as being within typical manufacturing tolerances.

[0022] Every document referenced herein, including any references to or related patents or applications, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of a document does not imply that it is recognized as prior art for any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein, or that it teaches, suggests, or discloses such embodiment, either alone or in combination with other referenced sources. Furthermore, should any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflict with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this document shall prevail.

[0023] Although certain embodiments of the present invention have been presented and described, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that various further changes and modifications can be made without deviating from the basic concept and scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

[1] Packaging for consumer products (10), comprising: a sheet (30) of malleable material comprising a first hang tag section (32) defining a first hang tag opening (40), a second hang tag section (34) defining a second hang tag opening (42), a third hang tag section (36) defining a third hang tag opening (44) located between a pair of openings (52, 54), and a fourth hang tag section (38) defining a fourth hang tag opening (46), wherein the sheet has a folded position in which the first hang tag opening (42), the second hang tag opening (44) and the third hang tag opening (46) are aligned with each other, and wherein the third hang tag section (36) is folded onto the fourth hang tag section (38) such that the fourth hang tag section (38) has an exposed area (56, 58) within the respective opening (52, 54) on which adhesive is applied. [2] Packaging for consumer products (10) according to claim 1, wherein the third hang tag section (36) and the second hang tag section (34) are arranged between the first hang tag section (32) and the fourth hang tag section (38). [3] Packaging for consumer products (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hang tag section (32) is sealed to the second hang tag section (34). [4] Packaging for consumer products (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third hang tag section (36) is sealed to the second hang tag section (34). [5] Packaging for consumer products (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet (30) comprises malleable cardboard material.

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