The present disclosure relates to a container for a shaving implement in general, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a container that encloses a shaving implement, but provides exterior access to replacement cartridges.

Shaving implements, also commonly referred to as wet shave razors, are typically sold commercially in two manners: as a "disposable", and as a "system". Disposable shaving implements include a razor cartridge permanently attached to a handle (i.e., the razor cartridge and handle are not intended to be separated during normal use). Once the blade(s) are worn, the user disposes of the entire unit, and begins using a new disposable shaving implement. System shaving implements typically include a permanent handle and a detachable razor cartridge. In these devices, the razor cartridge is attached to the handle and used until the blade(s) are dulled. Once the blade(s) are worn, the user can selectively detach the razor cartridge and replace it on the same handle with a new razor cartridge.

In order to facilitate the use of system shaving implements, replacement razor cartridges for use with system handles are often sold together in a dispenser (e.g., in groups of four (4) or eight (8)). The dispenser securely maintains the replacement razor cartridges such that the sharpened edge of each of the one or more blades is protected from outside forces. In addition, the replacement razor cartridges are typically oriented in the dispenser such that the mechanism for connecting the cartridge to the system handle is exposed and readily accessible to the user.

Various types of devices have been employed in the past for storing system-style shaving implements and the associated dispenser/replacement razor cartridges. For example, trays have been shown to be commercially successful. Trays typically have a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface includes mechanisms for attaching a shaving implement to the tray. Likewise, the bottom surface includes mechanisms for attaching a dispenser to the tray out of view, but easily accessible on those occasions that the replacement cartridges are needed. Variations of the above-described tray have also found their way into the market. For example, trays for use in a wet environment have been developed, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,415,517 to Worrick. The Worrick patent discloses a tray that includes an inner chamber for the storage of replacement razor cartridges when hanging in the shower. However, few trays of the prior art do not protect the shaving implement from damage, or from becoming covered in spilled fluids, during travel. In those instances that the shaving implement is shielded, the replacement razor cartridges are not readily available for use.

In addition, the packaging used for most system razors on the market today is blister wrap. Blister wrap is an efficient and inexpensive way to securely package system razors such that it is difficult for shoplifters to remove the shaving implement from the package prior to the end sale, and effectively protect the shaving implement during shipping. In addition, blister wrap can be easily printed with vibrant colors that make the product attractive to the end user, or left clear such that inserts placed in the packaging can be clearly seen through the blister wrap material. Unfortunately, blister wrap is also wasteful because it is thrown away immediately prior to the initial use of the shaving implement.

US 2,304,307 A discloses a container for storing a shaving implement comprising a storage means for replacement razor blades.

Accordingly, there yet exists a need for a simple but effective container for storing items which provides a place for storing the shaving implement when not in use, for protecting the shaving implement during travel, for housing replacement razor cartridges in a position that is easily accessible, and for serving as the primary packaging material.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome the known shortcomings of the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a container for storing a shaving implement includes a base portion and lid portion. The base portion includes a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is sized for receiving a dispenser for replacement razor cartridges and the second cavity is sized for receiving the shaving implement. The lid portion is hingedly connected to the base portion such that it is moveable between a closed position and an open position. When the lid portion is in the closed position, the shaving implement is substantially enclosed in the second cavity, between the lid portion and the base portion of the container.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base portion and/or the top portion include(s) structures for maintaining the shaving implement in the desired position in the second cavity of the container during storage.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the container is made of a molded polymeric material.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the lid portion is hingedly connected to the base portion by a living hinge.

According to an even further aspect of the present invention, the container is translucent or transparent in order to enable the end user to see the shaving implement and/or other items located therein.

According to an even further aspect of the present invention, the second cavity is sized for receiving a wall mounting structure in addition to the shaving implement.

According to another aspect of the present invention, packaging for consumer sales includes the container described above, a card and shrinkwrap. The shaving implement is positioned in the second cavity such that the shaving implement is substantially enclosed between the lid portion and the base portion when the lid portion in the closed position. The dispenser, which includes at least one replacement razor cartridge stored therein, is positioned in the first cavity of the dispenser. The card can include product information printed thereon. At least a portion of the card is enclosed within the second cavity, and at least another portion of the card is exterior of the container. The card can include a hanging aperture in the portion located exterior of the container for hanging the packaging on a shelf rack. The card can also include an interference aperture. When the container is in the closed position, a tab extends through the interference aperture preventing the portion of the card located in the second cavity from unintentionally exiting the container. The removable shrinkwrap is placed around the container such that the container is maintained in the closed position, the tab is prevented from exiting the interference aperture, and at least a portion of the dispenser is captured between the base portion and the removable shrinkwrap material.

One advantage of the present invention is that the shaving implement, when being stored, is substantially protected by the lid portion and the base portion from damage or from being spilled upon.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the replacement razor cartridges located in the dispenser are easily accessible to the end user, exterior to the second chamber.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the container can also serve as the primary packaging material, thereby reducing waste typically associated with shaving implement packaging.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the Detailed Description and Drawings.

• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the container for a shaving implement of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1, wherein the lid portion is in the open position;
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 along line 4-4, wherein the container includes a shaving implement and a wall-mounted hanger in the second cavity, and a dispenser for replacement razor cartridges in the first cavity;
• FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of the container of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the container of FIG. 1 serving as a primary packaging material; and
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 along line 7-7.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the container of the present invention is identified by the numeral 10. The container 10 includes a base portion 12 and a lid portion 14. The base portion 12 includes a first cavity 16 (see FIG. 2) and a second cavity 18 (see FIG. 3). The lid portion 14 is hingedly connected to the base portion 12 such that the lid portion 14 is moveable between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 3). The second cavity 18 is substantially enclosed by the lid portion 14 and the base portion 12 when the lid portion 14 in the closed position.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first cavity 16 of the base portion 12 is sized and shaped to receive a dispenser 20 for replacement razor cartridges 22. The actual shape and size of the first cavity 16 depends on the shape and size of the actual dispenser 20 being stored. For example, dispensers 20 that are designed to be able to hold four (4) replacement razor cartridges 22 are approximately 3,8 cm (1.5 inches) wide and 7,6 cm (3.0 inches) long. However, the first cavity 16 can be larger or smaller without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Although the dispenser 20 can be permanently attached to the first cavity 16 of the container 10, it is preferable that the dispenser 20 is removeably attached to the container 10. Therefore, the user, upon using all of the replacement cartridges 22 in the dispenser 20, can replace the empty dispenser with a new dispenser filled with unused replacement razor cartridges. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first cavity 16 is designed to receive and maintain the dispenser 20 through a press-fit-type connection. The dispenser 20 is pressed into the first cavity 16, and held in place by friction. In other embodiments, and although not shown, the first cavity 16 can include structures that positively engage the dispenser 20 (e.g., tabs), holding the dispenser 20 in place. In these embodiments, the dispenser 20 is "snapped" into the second cavity.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the base portion 12 also includes a second cavity 18 sized and shaped to receive at least shaving implement 24. Although it is preferable for the container 10 to hold a single shaving implement 24, the container 10 can be designed to hold more than one shaving implement 24, or a shaving implement 24 and at least one other device, such as a wall hanger 26 for the shaving implement 24 (as shown in FIG. 4) or a shaving cream applicator (e.g., a mole hair brush) (not shown), without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Alternatively, the container 10 could be sized to also hold a device completely unrelated to shaving, such as a toothbrush (not shown). Therefore, the actual shape and size of the second cavity 18 depends on the shape and size of the actual shaving implement(s) 24 (and any other devices) being stored. For example, in most instances, shaving implements 24 include a handle 28 that is approximately 10,1 cm (4 inches) to 15,2 cm (6 inches) long, and a replacement cartridge 22 that is attached to an end of the handle 28 that, as stated supra, is approximately 3,8 cm (1.5 inches) wide. Accordingly, the base portion 12, in some embodiments is generally rectangular. For example, the container 10 shown in FIG. 2 has a base portion that has a length ("L") of approximately 16,5 cm (6.5 inches) and a width ("W") of approximately 7,6 cm (3 inches).

The second cavity 18 can also include structures 30 that, in addition to providing the container 10 with additional structural stability, maintain the shaving implement 24, or other devices placed in the container, in the desired position during storage. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second cavity 18 can include handle locating structures 30 that prevent the handle 28 of the shaving implement 24 from moving side to side. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second cavity 18 can also include cartridge locating structures 32 that prevent the blade(s) 34 of the shaving implement 24 from undesirably contacting the container 10.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lid portion 14 is connected to the base portion 12 by a hinge 36. The hinge 36 can be any type of hinge 36 known to those of skill in the art. For example, the lid portion 14 and the base portion 12 can be separate pieces that are each connected to the hinge 36 (not shown). Alternatively, the lid portion 14 and the base portion 12 are integrally connected (e.g., formed of a single, molded piece) and separated by a living hinge 38. The term living hinge 38 is intended to mean an area where the material is thinned, and therefore weakened, allowing the lid portion 14 of the container 10 to move between the open position and the closed position repeatedly, without breaking. The top portion 14 can also include structures 39 for locating the shaving implement 28 inside the container.

The lid portion 14 and the base 12 can also include complimentary closure structures (52 and 54, respectively) that enable the container 10 to stay in the closed position when desired. Any suitable closure structures 52,54 known to those of skill in the art can be used.

The container 10 can be made of any suitable material; however, molded plastic or polymeric materials have been shown to have particular utility. For example, polypropylene has been shown to be useful because it can be easily and inexpensively molded, can be used to form a living hinge 38 (discussed supra), and can be easily colored. In addition, it is preferable that the container 10 of the present invention be molded of a single piece; however, as was also discussed supra, the container 10 can be separate pieces that each can be made of different types of materials, as well. The container 10 can be any color; however, it is preferable that at least a portion of the container is translucent, if not transparent.

In addition, and now referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the container 10 described above can also be used as the primary packaging material for consumer sales. In these instances, the dispenser 20 is placed in the first cavity 16, the shaving implement 24 is positioned in the second cavity 18 (along with any other desired devices), and a card 40 is partially enclosed within the first cavity 16. Typically, the card 40, in addition to any desired printed information 42, includes a hanging aperture 44 and an interference aperture 46. The interference aperture 46 can be any suitable size, and typically corresponds to a tab 48 located on the container 10 (e.g., in the second cavity 18). When the card 40 is partially positioned inside the second cavity 18, the tab 48 extends through the interference aperture 46 when the container 40 is in the closed position (see FIG. 7), preventing the card 40 from exiting the container 10 until the container 10 is opened.

In order to prevent theft of the shaving implement 10 or the dispenser 20, and its associated replacement cartridges 22, shrinkwrap 50 is placed around the container 10 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) such that the container 10 is maintained in the closed position, and the dispenser 20 is maintained in the first cavity 16.

The hanging aperture 44 on the card 40 is typically included such that the container 10 can be hung on a store shelf, as is common for retail sale.

Modifications and variations may be made to the above disclosure without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.