Resealable packaged oral care implement and package thereof

Abstract

A packaged set of oral care implements comprises a package having a front surface and an opposite rear surface, the package comprising a base portion comprising one or more receiving cavities therein, the base portion having a front surface, an opposite rear surface, first and second side surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the front surface comprises an opening formed therethrough, dimensions of the opening being smaller than dimensions of the front surface. The package further comprises a closure component attached to the front surface and positioned over the opening via a resealable adhesive. The package also comprises a plurality of oral care implements positioned in the one or more receiving cavities, wherein at least one of the oral care implements is visible through the first closure portion.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PKRESEALABLE PACKAGED ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT AND PACKAGE THEREOFBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In the commercialization of toothbrushes, the current trend is to package toothbrushes in blister packages. While the use of blister packages has proven to be cost-effective and effective at adequately protecting the toothbrush contained therein, existing blister packages are often difficult to open. Furthermore, in many cases, multiple toothbrushes may be packaged in a single blister pack. Thus, once the blister pack is opened to access a toothbrush, the remaining toothbrushes remain open to the environment and are not prevented from being inadvertently removed therefrom. It may be desirable to provide a cost-effective packaging which is capable of housing multiple toothbrushes but is capable of being resealed after the removal of one or more toothbrushes therefrom, for a consumer to be able to view both sides of the toothbrush before deciding whether to make a purchase. Thus, a need exists for an improved package that cures one or more of the aforementioned deficiencies.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to a packaged set of oral care implements that includes a package and at least two oral care implements. The package may include a cardboard or paper base portion having a receiving cavity and a flat panel coupled to the packaged to close an open end of the receiving cavity. The flat panel may include an opening having a transparent film removably attached thereto to provide visualization of and access to contents of the receiving cavity.

[0003] In one embodiment, the invention may be a packaged oral care implement comprising: a package having a front surface and an opposite rear surface, the package comprising a base portion comprising one or more receiving cavities therein, the base portion having a front surface, an opposite rear surface, first and second side surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the front surface comprises an opening formed therethrough, dimensions of the opening being smaller than dimensions of the front surface; a closure component attached to the front surface, wherein dimensions of the closure component are larger than the dimensions of the opening, wherein the closure component further comprises: a first closure portion positioned over theAttorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PKopening; and a second closure portion positioned adjacent the opening, the second closure portion comprising a resealable adhesive; and a plurality of oral care implements positioned in the one or more receiving cavities, wherein at least one of the oral care implements is visible through the first closure portion; wherein the closure component is a transparent film.

[0004] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaged oral care implement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a set of packaged oral care implements in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the set of packaged oral care implements of FIG.2; and

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a packaged oral care implement in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0011] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom”Attorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WG-01-PKas well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a packaging and, in particular a cardboard or paper carton for an oral care implement or the like, the carton comprising a resealable film provided over a window or other dispensing opening formed through a major face of the carton.

[0013] Fig. 1 depicts a package 100 for an oral care implement 10, the oral care implement comprising a handle 12, neck 14 and a head 16 comprising a plurality of bristles 18. The oral care implement 10 may be a manual toothbrush. In other embodiments the package 100 may contain, for example, an oral care implement and a container of toothpaste. Alternatively, the package 100 may contain any plurality of oral care implements plus any other articles such as pencils, pens, hygiene caps, or the like. The oral care implement 10 may alternatively be an electric toothbrush, flossing tool, water flosser, tongue cleaners, tooth polishers, oral care material dispensers, and other oral care implements or the like.

[0014] The package 100 comprises a base portion 102 which may be formed as a tub having a bottom surface 104, first and second side surfaces 106, 108 extending along a longitudinal axis A-A of the of the package 100 and top and bottom surfaces 110, 112. A receiving cavity 114 is defined between the surfaces 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, the receiving cavity 114 configured to house the oral care implement 10 therein. In an embodiment, the receiving cavity 114 may comprise one or more mechanisms configured to maintain a position of the oral care implement 10 therewithin,Attorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PKthe mechanisms including, but not limited to, inlays, adhesive, frictional engagement members, thermoformed gripping members and the like, as those skilled in the art will understand. The package 100 may further comprise a front surface 120, which may be formed as a card, paper, or other rigid, semi-rigid or flexible member attached to the base 102 by, for example, adhesive or other known attachment means.

[0015] The front surface 120 may be opaque or substantially opaque such that the contents of the package 100 are not visible therethrough. For example, the front surface 120 may be formed of paper or cardboard and may be printed with text and / or graphics providing details of the contents thereof. Alternatively, the front surface 120 may be formed of a transparent or partially transparent film having a first opacity value Oi. A window 122 is formed through the front surface 120 via, for example, die-cutting, the window 122 being positioned and oriented such that the head 16 and optionally a portion of the neck 14 and / or a portion of the handle 12 are visible therethrough. The window 122 is further configured such that a user can retrieve the oral care implement 10 through the window 122.

[0016] The package 100 may be formed with a length L of 35-42 mm or approximately 35-42mm, the length being selected to be slightly larger than an oral care implement or another instrument to be received therein. The package 100 may further comprise an inlay (not shown) configured to maintain a position of the one or more oral care implements.

[0017] The window 122 further comprises a closure component in the form of a transparent film 124 removably positioned thereover. The transparent film 124 may comprise first, second, third and fourth edges 126, 128, 130, 132, the transparent film 124 being configured such that at least one of the first, second and third edges 126, 128, 130 overlaps with the front surface 120 at an overlapping region 134, indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 1. The transparent film 124 may be transparent to allow for visibility of the oral care implements therethrough. Alternatively, the transparent film may be opaque, partially opaque, tinted, or have a pattern formed thereover. The overlapping region 134 may be coated with an adhesive which may allow the transparent film 124 to be resealed thereto after a user has removed the oral care implement therefrom. The overlapping region 134 may also extend adjacent the fourth edge 132 or, alternatively, the fourth edge 132 may be permanently secured to the front surface 132 to prevent the transparent film 124 from beingAttorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WG-01-PKfully separated therefrom. Tn this manner, the fourth edge 124 may help to maintain a position of the transparent film thereover.

[0018] The window 122 is configured to have dimensions large enough to allow for ease of removal of an oral care implement therefrom while minimizing any damage to the package 100 or its contents. In one embodiment, a width of the transparent film 124 (WF) is selected according to the following formula, wherein Wr is the total width of the package and WSA is the width of the overlapping region which is coated with the adhesive, and C is a constant selected to ensure proper positioning of the window 122 relative to the package:WF = WT - (WSA X 2) - CIn an embodiment, the constant C may be 12 although values of 5-20 are acceptable.

[0019] The transparent film may be formed with a thickness greater than 30 microns, wherein the thickness may vary depending on any of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, a size and / or weight of the oral care implement housed within the package 100, a quantity of the oral care implements housed within the package and a size of the window 122. For example, a package containing a plurality of oral care implements or oral care implements having a weight above a predetermined threshold may be provided with a transparent film having a greater thickness, said greater thickness corresponding to an increase in the strength of the transparent film. In an embodiment, an increase in thickness of the transparent film may correspond to an increase in the tensile strength between the transparent film 124 and the adhesive at the overlapping region 134.

[0020] In another embodiment, the adhesive provided on the overlapping region 134 may be configured to not remain tacky after being separated from the overlapping region 134 of the front surface 120 and thus may not be resealable. This configuration offers a novel method for accessing the contents of the package 100 without the need for tearing of the package. This package 100 may be advantageous for use by a user having impairments such as arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease or other musculoskeletal degeneration conditions which impair a user’ s ability to apply a tearing force to open a carton.

[0021] The transparent film 124 may optionally include a gripping or pull-tab 136 which is not secured to the front surface 120 via an adhesive and may be gripped to aid in opening of the package 100. To open the package 100, an end user may grip the pull-tab 136 and apply a pullingAttorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WG-01-PKforce that is greater than a peel strength of the adhesive to separate the transparent film 124 from the package 100.

[0022] To assemble the package 100, a blank (not shown) is formed using conventional methods, the blank being formed with a cutout region corresponding to the window 122. A printer or other suitable instrument is then used to apply, in order, a layer of primer, a layer of silver foil, one or more layers of ink, one or more layers of ink protection varnish (matte or glossy), followed by one or more layers of adhesive to, for example, only the overlapping region 134. The transparent film 124 is then applied over the overlapping region 134 and window 122 to form the resealable label.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a package 200 according to another embodiment of the invention, the package 200 being substantially similar to the package 100 except as described below. The package 200 may be configured to house a plurality of oral care implements 20 therein. A transparent film 224 is provided over window 222, the transparent film having overlapping region 234 extending along at least first, second and third edges 226, 228, 230 and optionally along fourth edge 232. An optional pull-tab 236 is provided, the pull-tab 236 being similar to pull-tab 136.

[0024] The package 200 may comprise any plurality of dividers / inserts 240 located within a receiving cavity 214 thereof. The dividers 240 may be formed as upstanding inserts positioned within the package 200 or integrally formed portions thereof that have been folded into an upright configuration during assembly, as those skilled in the art will understand. A height H of the dividers 240 may be substantially equal to a height H of first and second side surfaces such that a front-facing edge 242 comes into contact with the transparent film 224. Optionally, the front-facing edge 242 may be configured to have a thickness sufficient to allow for placement of an adhesive thereover, the adhesive securing the front-facing edge 242 to the transparent film 224. The adhesive may be a resealable adhesive which would allow for opening and closing of the transparent film 224 any plurality of times (i.e., when retrieving one of the plurality of oral care implements 20). In another embodiment, the transparent film 224 may contain perforations aligned with the front-facing edge 242 to allow a user to tear the transparent film 224 over only a desired oral care implement 20 and leave the remaining oral care implements sealed.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 concurrently, a packaged set of oral care implements 1000 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The packaged set of oral care implements 1000 generally comprises a package 100 and a plurality of oral care implements 200Attorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WG-01-PKthat are positioned within and retained by the package 100. The package 100 protects the oral care implement 200 from damage during transit from the manufacturing facility to the retail store or the consumer’s home. The package 100 also enables a potential consumer to view the oral care implement 200 through the package 100 when the consumer is trying to determine whether or not to make a purchase.

[0026] In the exemplified embodiments, only a portion of each oral care implement 10, 20 is visible through the transparent film 124, 224. Preferably, the window 122, 222 has a minimal size to allow visualization of an oral care implement therethrough and retrieval of the oral care implement therefrom without having a great impact on manufacturing cost and time or overall recyclability of the package. In a preferred use case, the transparent film 124, 224 is removed from the package 100, 200 after use of all of the contents thereof and discarded so that the carton may be recycled.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, the layers of the exemplary package 200 are described in greater detail. The base portion 202, which is formed of virgin paper, recycled paper or a plastic-based substrate (e.g. recycled PET) is provided with a heat sealable varnish 250 on a front surface 252 thereof. The paper or PET front surface or lid 220 is positioned thereover, an inner surface of the front surface or lid 220 also having heat sealable varnish 254 configured to seal to heat sealable varnish 250. When heat and pressure is applied to the front surface 220 by sealing jaws of heat-sealing equipment, the front surface or lid 220 becomes secured to the base portion 202. The transparent film 224 is positioned over a varnish layer 256 provided in the overlapping region, the varnish being selected to allow opening and resealing of the transparent film a plurality of times.

[0028] In the exemplified embodiment, the transparent film 124, 224 is substantially transparent, thereby allowing visibility therethrough. However, in alternate embodiments, only a portion of the transparent film 124, 224 may be substantially transparent. In another alternate embodiment, some or all of the front surface 120, 220 may be transparent save for areas that have been printed with inks, foil and the like. As used herein, the term “transparent” includes materials that allow a user to see through the material, even if the material is colored or includes a small degree of translucency.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, a package 300 is shown, the package 300 being substantially similar to the package 100, 200 except as described below. The package 300 is a multi-pack configuredAttorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PKto hold a plurality of oral care implements 20 therein. The package 300 further comprises an inlay 30 positioned inside the package 300, the inlay 30 configured to frictionally engage the oral care implements 30 to maintain a position thereof within the package 300. Specifically, the inlay 30 may comprise a plurality of cutouts 32 configured to receive a neck 24 of the oral care implement 20 therein, each cutout 32 extending from a first end 34 to a second end 36. A length and position of window 322 is selected such that an entirety of a head 22 of the oral care implement 20 and at least a portion of the neck 24 is open to the window 322 and visible / accessible therethrough. Furthermore, the window 322 is positioned such that at least a portion of the inlay 30 is located within the bounds of the window 322 to allow a user to manipulate the oral care implement 20 and dislodge the oral care implement 20 from the inlay 30 without causing inadvertent damage to the window 322, package 300 or film 324. For example, window 322 may be configured such that length of the inlay cutout 32, from first end 34 to second end 36 is fully exposed by the window 322. The window 322 may be configured such that there is a minimal distance D between the second end 36 of the cutout 32 and an edge of the window 322. This additional distance D allows for the oral care implement 20 to pivot about the cutout 32 or rotate relative thereto without placing undue stress on the package 300 or edges of the window 322, which may result in damage / tearing thereof.

[0030] A width of the transparent film 324 may be the same or substantially the same as width (WF) of transparent film 124. A length LW of the window may be selected to be at least 20% of the length LP of the package 300 and preferably is 20-30% of the length LP, or 21-25% of the length LP. Preferably, the length LW is selected to ensure that at least more than half of the cutout 32 of the inlay 30 is open to the window 322. More preferably, the length LW is selected to ensure that 75%-100% or more of the cutout 32 of the inlay 30 is open to the window 322. In another embodiment, the length LW is selected to ensure that all of the cutout 32 of the inlay 30 is open to the window 322 and further includes an additional clearance distance D to allow for pivotal movement of the oral care implement 20 in the space formed by the window 322.

[0031] The transparent film 324 may further comprise a gripping tab 326 formed on a right or left side thereof.

[0032] While the foregoing description and drawings represent the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions mayAttorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PKbe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PKCLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A packaged set of oral care implements comprising:a package having a front surface and an opposite rear surface, the package comprising:a base portion comprising one or more receiving cavities therein, the base portion having a front surface, an opposite rear surface, first and second side surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the front surface comprises an opening formed therethrough, dimensions of the opening being smaller than dimensions of the front surface;a closure component attached to the front surface, wherein dimensions of the closure component are larger than the dimensions of the opening, wherein the closure component further comprises:a first closure portion positioned over the opening; and a second closure portion positioned adjacent the opening, the second closure portion comprising a resealable adhesive; and a plurality of oral care implements positioned in the one or more receiving cavities, wherein at least one of the oral care implements is visible through the first closure portion;wherein the closure component is a transparent film.

2. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1, wherein the base portion is formed of paper or cardboard.

3. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1, wherein a head and neck of at least one of the oral care implements is visible through the closure component.

4. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 3, wherein a head and neck of all of the plurality of oral care implements is visible through the closure component.Attorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PK5. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1, wherein the front surface is opaque.

6. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 5, wherein the front surface is formed of paper or cardboard.

7. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1, wherein the closure component extends over only the front surface of the package.

8. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1, wherein a head and neck of at least one of the oral care implements is visible through the closure component.

9. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1, the closure component is formed of PET.

10. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1 wherein the closure component covers less than half of the front surface.

11. The packaged set of oral care implements according to claim 1, wherein the closure component has a thickness greater than 30 microns.

12. A packaged set of oral care implements comprising:a package having a base portion and a front surface, the base portion defining one or more receiving cavities for housing a plurality of oral care implements;an opening formed through the front surface, the opening having a length that is at least 20% of a length of the package and positioned to allow visualization and access to at least a portion of each oral care implement;a transparent film removably attached over the opening by a resealable adhesive; and an inlay positioned within the base portion and configured to frictionally engage the oral care implements to maintain their position within the package,wherein the opening is dimensioned such that at least more than half of a cutout of the inlay configured to receive a neck of an oral care implement is open to the opening.

13. The packaged set of oral care implements of claim 12, wherein the inlay is positioned such that an entirety of the cutout of the inlay is open to the opening.Attorney Docket No. 1016033-00-WO-01-PK14. The packaged set of oral care implements of claim 12, wherein the opening is positioned to provide an additional clearance distance between an end of the cutout of the inlay and an edge of the opening to allow rotational movement of the oral care implement in the space formed by the opening.

15. The packaged set of oral care implements of claim 12, wherein the inlay is positioned so that a portion of the inlay is located within the bounds of the opening to allow manipulation of the oral care implement and dislodgement from the inlay without causing damage to the package, opening, or transparent fdm.

Images