Disposable Razor Package

The present invention relates to package construction and more particularly to a package formed from a single blank for accommodating disposable safety razors.

The closest-known prior art is a disposable razor package marketed by The Gillette Company for its product known as GOOD NEWS. This package contains six disposable razors having all their heads aligned at one side of the package, while the handles are similarly aligned at an opposite side of the package. The heads are restrained by flaps, as in the case of the present invention, and an opening in the side panel of the package receives the handle end portions. A mounting hole is positioned along a top edge portion of the package, as is also the case with the present invention. However, due to the fact that all of the heads are positioned on one side of the package and the handles on the other, when such a package is to be mounted from a peg on a product display rack, the mounting hole must be formed in an offset relationship to the symmetrical axis of the package. This type of situation may require utilization of display racks which are nonstandard thereby requiring extra expenses to be incurred. If a standard display rack is to be employed, the number of packages to be mounted will be fewer than if a symmetrically positioned mounting hole characterized the package.

The present invention eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art by permitting the positioning of a first set of razors in opposing symmetrical relationship to a second set, all within one package. Accordingly, the weight distribution of the razors is symmetrical, relative to a center line for the package.

The above-mentioned objects and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the present package with two tri-sets of confronting razors secured within the package.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present package.

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the present package.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the present package.

Referring to the figures and more particularly FIG. 1 thereof, reference numeral 10 generally indicates the package which is the present invention and which is preferably formed from a single blank typically made from conventional materials such as cardboard and capable of having printed material thereon. A first set of disposable safety razors 12 is seen secured within the package. Hereinafter, the razor set 12 will be referred to as a tri-set. A second, identical razor tri-set 14 is shown positioned within the package and disposed in oppositely confronting relationship to the first tri-set 12. Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with two alternating tri-sets of razors equalling a total of six razors, it is to be appreciated that more or fewer razors may constitute a set and more than two sets may be packaged. An important consideration resides in the fact that each set alternates with respect to another and that an even number of identical sets be used. As will be seen from the lower portion of FIG. 1, the heads of the razors are restrained by abutments or winged flaps 16 cut from the package blank, the flaps being separated by an intermediate portion of the package end panel. The handle ends of the razors extend through a rectangular opening such as 18 formed in an oppositely confronting end panel. The orientation of the razor tri-sets may also be changed as desired (i.e., head up or head down).

Considering the package construction in greater detail, the rectangular blank includes a number of articulations to form: a rear panel 20, right side panel 22, front panel 24, left side panel 26 and end panel 28, the latter overlying the rear panel 20 and preferably pasted or stapled to it. Individual flap members 30 and 32 are formed from the blank so as to articulate from the right side panel 22 to be contiguous therewith. By forming these flaps, rectangular openings 34 are cut in the front and rear panels 24, 20 so as to be in registry with one another. Thus far described, the flaps 30, 32 and the rectangular opening 34 provide excellent securement for the head portions 36 of the razor tri-set 14. A thin plastic cap 38 is previously mounted to each razor head to prevent accidental contact with a razor edge. The handle ends 40 of the razor tri-set 14 pass outwardly through a rectangular opening in left side panel 20, such as 18, the opening being of such dimension to tightly receive the handle ends 40. As will be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, a second set of flaps 42 and 44, comparable to the first mentioned set 30, 32 secures the heads of the razor tri-set 12. As in the case of the previously discussed tri-set 14, the razors of the tri-set 12 include heads 48, received in opening 46, and which are covered by plastic caps 50. The heads 48 of the razor tri-set 12 are positioned above the handle ends 40 of the razor tri-set 14. The handles 52 of the razor tri-set 12 are positioned above the heads 36 of the razor tri-set 14.

Apertures 54 and 56 are formed, in registry, in the rear panel 20 and front panel 24. Each of these apertures is located equidistant from side panels 22 and 26 most evident in FIG. 2. Due to the symmetrical weight distribution of the razors within package 10, the package will hang straight from the centrally located apertures.

In utilization of the invention, the package 10 is perfectly sufficient to safely contain the razors without the addition of a protective cover or bag.

Although the present package structure has been described with reference to disposable safety razors, it should be understood that it is likewise applicable for containing other elongate articles of uneven weight distribution. Accordingly, the invention is directed to the package structure, per se, and not necessarily in combination with a particular product. Further, although the present invention has been described as a package for containing a plurality of articles, it should be understood that the inventive package may be used for a single symmetrical article or two identical articles positioned in opposing confronting relationship with each other.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction shown and described herein for obvious modifications will occur to persons skilled in the art.