阅读说明：本技术 用于个人护理产品的包装系统 (Packaging system for personal care products ) 是由 M.J.马罗蒂 A.M.J.高文 于 2018-03-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种具有插入件的包装系统,该插入件优选地用于固定个人护理产品,其中该插入件被插入到外套管中。该外套管在正面上具有朝向正面的顶部偏置的窗口,以使用于在正面的非窗口部分中进行信息传递的连续区域最大化。在梯形成型的包装系统中,最大化用于信息传递的连续区域是尤其有利的。(The present invention provides a packaging system having an insert, preferably for securing a personal care product, wherein the insert is inserted into an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a window on the front face biased toward a top of the front face to maximize a continuous area for information transfer in a non-windowed portion of the front face. In a trapezoidal shaped packaging system, it is particularly advantageous to maximize the continuous area for information transfer.)

1. A packaging system (1) for a personal care product (11), the packaging system comprising:

an insert (3) inserted into the outer sleeve (5) capable of fixing at least a first personal care product (11),

wherein the outer sleeve (5) has a maximum height;

wherein the insert (3) comprises:

a. a first horizontal shelf (21) located at 30% to 60% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5);

b. a second horizontal shelf (22) located at 5% to less than 30% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) in a plane parallel to the first horizontal shelf (21);

c. a front vertical wall (25), and a rear vertical wall (27) opposite the front vertical wall (25), wherein the first horizontal shelf (21) and the second horizontal shelf (22) are each connected between the front vertical wall (25) and the rear vertical wall (27),

d. wherein the first horizontal shelf (21) and the second horizontal shelf (22) each have 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 a first personal care product (11) therethrough;

wherein the outer sleeve (5) comprises a window (35) occupying at least a portion of a front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5), the window being located at 30% to 100% of a maximum height of the outer sleeve (5), and wherein a front vertical wall (25) of the insert (3) is adjacent to the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5).

2. A packaging system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first horizontal shelf (21) is located at 40-60% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5); preferably, the second horizontal shelf (22) is located at 10% to 25% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5).

3. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are no additional horizontal shelves larger than the height of the first horizontal shelf (21).

4. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3) further comprises a bottom horizontal shelf (23) which is 0% to less than 5%, preferably 0% to 4%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5).

5. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window (35) occupies an area of the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) located at 33% to 99%, preferably 35% to 99%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5); preferably, the window (35) does not occupy an area of the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) which is located below 33% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5).

6. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the first personal care product (11), wherein the first and second through holes (31, 32) secure the first personal care product (11); preferably wherein the first personal care product (11) is fixed vertically; more preferably, said first and second through holes (31, 32) frictionally secure said first personal care product (11); still more preferably, the first personal care product (11) is an oral care product, preferably wherein the oral care product is a dentifrice product, more preferably wherein the dentifrice product is a toothpaste.

7. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said window (35) occupies (from an external angle) from 20% to 60%, preferably from 25% to 55%, more preferably from 30% to 50%, of the total planar area of said front face (37); preferably wherein said window (5) comprises a transparent flexible plastic film.

8. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first horizontal shelf (21) further comprises a third throughbore (33) and the second horizontal shelf (22) further comprises a fourth throughbore (34), wherein the third throughbore (33) and the fourth throughbore (34) are each configured to secure a second personal care product (12) therethrough.

9. The packaging system (1) of claim 8, further comprising a second personal care product (12), wherein the third and fourth through-holes (33, 34) secure the second personal care product (12); preferably wherein the second personal care product (12) is secured vertically.

10. The packaging system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the third and fourth through-holes (33, 34) frictionally secure the second personal care product (12); preferably, the first personal care product (11) and the second personal care product (12) are positioned vertically with respect to each other in opposite directions.

11. The packaging system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a second personal care product (12), preferably wherein the second personal care product (12) is an oral care product, more preferably wherein the oral care product is a dentifrice product, still more preferably wherein the dentifrice product is a toothpaste, still more preferably wherein the first and second personal care products are used in a regimen, preferably a toothpaste regimen.

12. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear vertical wall (27) extends at 95% or more than 95% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5); preferably, said front vertical wall (25) does not obstruct the view through said window (35); more preferably, the maximum height of said front vertical wall (25) does not extend above said first horizontal shelf (21).

13. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said insert (3) comprises at least a first lateral wing (41) on either side of said insert (3) and substantially orthogonal to said first horizontal shelf (21); preferably, the insert (3) comprises a second lateral wing (42) also substantially orthogonal to the first horizontal shelf (21), and wherein the second lateral wing (42) is substantially opposite to the first lateral wing (41); more preferably, a first hinge line (51) separates said first lateral wing (41) from said first horizontal shelf (21); still more preferably, a second hinge line (52) separates the second lateral wing (42) from the first horizontal shelf (21).

14. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window (35) of the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) extends from a height equal to the height of the first horizontal shelf (21) to less than 80% to 95% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5); preferably, the window (35) extends continuously to at least a portion of the left and right sides (92, 91, respectively) of the outer sleeve (5).

15. The packaging system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the top face (9) having a planar area of 30% to 99%, more preferably 40% to 80%, still more preferably 55% to 75% of the planar area of the bottom face (7).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a packaging system for a personal care product having an outer sleeve with a window and an insert inserted into the outer sleeve capable of securing a personal product.

Background

Packaging systems comprising an outer sleeve and an insert inserted into the outer sleeve to secure a personal care product are generally well known.

Personal care products are typically contained in primary packages. For example, toothpaste compositions are typically contained in a squeezable tube as a primary package. The secondary package may be an outer sleeve made of cardboard. For example, toothpaste tubes are typically housed in an outer sleeve that is a rectangular box. This does not allow the shopper to see the primary packages contained therein. Furthermore, such packaging systems typically do not suggest a quality experience to the user.

The use of windows in secondary packaging is generally known and does provide an improved experience as shoppers see the products in their primary packaging through the window. The use of an insert may secure the product so that it does not move within the outer sleeve. However, many of these secondary packaging implementations will have an insert with first and second shelves that secure 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 as to hide the view of the insert shelf (thereby highlighting the contained product). However, when the window is placed in the middle, it separates the non-windowed portions such that the continuous area in which information is being communicated (such as graphics, brand name, advertising, etc.) is limited. Thus, this arrangement fails to provide a large continuous area for information transfer to shoppers that would otherwise be more obtrusive than the same area divided into two areas (especially in a retail store environment where many products compete for shoppers' attention). Accordingly, there is a need for a packaging system in which an insert can secure a personal care product while allowing a relatively large window in an outer sleeve that is biased toward the top of the front face of the outer sleeve of the packaging system to allow for better graphical/information transfer in the non-windowed portion (biased toward the bottom of the front face) that would otherwise be interrupted by a centrally located window.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to address one or more of these needs.

One aspect of the present invention provides a packaging system for a personal care product, the packaging system including an insert inserted into an outer sleeve capable of securing at least a first personal care product. The outer sleeve has a maximum height. The insert includes: a first horizontal shelf located at 30% to 60% of a maximum height of the outer sleeve; a second horizontal shelf located in a plane parallel to the first horizontal shelf at 5% to less than 30% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve; and a front vertical wall, and a rear vertical wall opposite the front vertical wall. The first and second horizontal shelves are each connected between the front and rear vertical walls. The first and second horizontal shelves each have at least first and second through holes, respectively. The first and second through-holes are configured to secure the first personal care product therethrough. The outer sleeve includes a window occupying at least a portion of a front face of the outer sleeve, located between 30% and 100% of a maximum height of the outer sleeve. The front vertical wall of the insert is adjacent to the front face of the outer sleeve.

Another aspect provides a method of manufacturing the packaging system, wherein the insert is inserted through a bottom surface of the outer sleeve, and a top surface of the outer sleeve is openable by a user.

One advantage of the present example is that, given the offset of the window toward the top of the packaging system, the system enables shoppers to view the middle portion of the product as well as the upper or lower portions (depending on how the product is secured). This is particularly advantageous when the product (secured in an upright position) has a dispenser that is visible to shoppers. Another example is where two or more personal care products (e.g., as part of a product regimen) are contained within a packaging system with one product secured in an upright position and a second product secured in an upright position (e.g., shampoo and conditioner). In this example, the shopper will quickly recognize that the contained product is part of a program rather than multi-packaging (i.e., more than two identical products). This is particularly advantageous when the overall packaging system has a trapezoidal profile (i.e., the bottom surface area is greater than the top surface area).

Another advantage of an example of the present invention is that the packaging system enables the insert (and the secured product) to enter the outer sleeve at the bottom surface during manufacture, especially when angled into the side of the outer sleeve (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 surface of the packaging system (thereby leaving the outer sleeve and insert).

Another advantage of an example of the invention is an insert that secures a personal care product with improved integrity to withstand manufacturing stresses (especially high volume, high speed processing) or shipping stresses (especially electronic commerce). This is in contrast to some inserts that rely too much on the product itself (i.e., the primary package) for structural support.

Another advantage of examples of the present invention is that a packaging system having an overall trapezoidal profile has greater stability in view of a wider base (relative to the top), particularly 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 suggests a quality product, where the user would consider placing the packaging system in their bathroom during the life of the product (as opposed to discarding the package after initial opening of the package).

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

Drawings

While the specification concludes with claims particularly defining and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a right perspective view of a packaging system including an insert for securing a personal care product, wherein the insert is inserted into an outer sleeve.

Fig. 2 is a right perspective view of the insert (unsecured product).

Fig. 3 is a left perspective view of the same insert as fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a right perspective view of an outer sleeve (including neither an insert nor a personal care product).

Detailed Description

As used herein, articles including "a," "an," and "the" are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," and "containing" are intended to be non-limiting, i.e., that other steps and other moieties may be added which do not affect the end result. The above terms encompass the terms "consisting of … …" and "consisting essentially of … …".

Turning to fig. 1, a packaging system (1) for personal care products (11, 12) is provided. An insert (3) capable of securing at least a first personal care product (11) is inserted into the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, the packaging system (1) further comprises an insert (3) (shown in fig. 1) capable of securing a second personal care product (12). Preferably, the system (1) further comprises at least a first personal care product (11), more preferably a first personal care product (11) and a second personal care product (12) secured by the insert (3) (as shown in fig. 1). Alternatively, the system (1) comprises an insert (3) (not shown) capable of holding three, four or more personal care products; more preferably, the system (1) also comprises such three, four or more personal care products in such alternative examples. Alternatively, the system (1) may be limited to an insert (3) (not shown) capable of holding a single first personal care product (11); more preferably, the system (1) also comprises, in such alternative examples, a single first personal care product (11). Referring to fig. 1, a first personal care product (11) and a 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)Each having a product longitudinal axis (not shown) that is orthogonal to the surface on which the packaging system (1) is intended to be displayed (e.g., a horizontal retail store shelf). The personal care products may share the same or different primary packages. The personal care products (e.g., 11, 12) may be secured vertically in a straight up vertical position or a straight down vertical position. In a preferred example, as shown in fig. 1, the first personal care product (11) is in a straight up vertical position and the second personal care product (12) is in a straight down vertical position. In other words, the first personal care product (11) and the second personal care product (12) are positioned vertically (along the product longitudinal axis) relative to each other in opposite directions (e.g., such that the dispenser of the first personal care product (11) points upward and the dispenser of the second personal care product (12) points downward). An advantage of this configuration is that the shopper will readily understand that the first and second personal products (11, 12) form part of a treatment regimen, such as hair shampoo and hair conditioner. Preferably, the first and second personal care products (11, 12) will share the same primary packaging (for cost savings), but will differ from each other in graphics, color, messaging, etc. Examples of personal care products (11, 12) include hair treatment products (e.g., shampoos, hair conditioners, hair dyes, etc.), skin treatment products (e.g., skin moisturizers, toners, cosmetics, lipsticks, skin cleansers, body washes, etc.), oral care treatment products (e.g., toothpastes, tooth whiteners, gels for teeth or gums, mouthwashes, etc.). Preferably, the personal care product is an oral care product. More preferably, the oral care product is a dentifrice paste, still yet more preferably, the dentifrice paste is a toothpaste, still yet even more preferably, the first dentifrice product and the second dentifrice product are used in a regimen (e.g., the user brushes their teeth with the first dentifrice composition for one minute and then the user brushes their teeth with the second dentifrice composition for one minute (two minutes total)). Preferably, when provided as a toothpaste product, the primary package for the personal care product is a squeezable tube having a flip-top as the dispenser (with the dispenser functionally attached to the squeezable tube). The user will squeeze the squeezable tube to dispense the contained from the orifice of the dispenserA toothpaste composition. Generally, such primary packages for toothpaste products will contain from about 50 grams to 300 grams (or 100 grams to 200 grams) of the toothpaste composition.

And

are two examples of well known toothpaste brands. In one example, the dentifrice product is a two-step regimen (e.g., the user brushes his or her teeth with the first dentifrice product for one minute, and then the user brushes his or her teeth with the second dentifrice product for another minute).

Fig. 4 provides an outer sleeve (5) without an insert (3) and without a personal product (11, 12) contained therein. The outer sleeve (5) has six sides. The outer sleeve (5) has a top surface (9) and an opposite bottom surface (7). The top surface (9) is normally openable by the user (to remove the secured personal care product (not shown in fig. 4)). The front surface (37) and the rear surface (58) of the outer sleeve (5) are opposite to each other. The left side (92) and the right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5) are connected with the front surface (37) and the back surface (58) of the outer sleeve (5). In one example, the packaging system (1) is intended to be displayed such that the bottom surface (7) contacts a display surface (e.g., a horizontal retail store shelf). Preferably, the front face (37) and the rear face (58) are in planes parallel to each other and orthogonal in the plane of the bottom face (7). The outer sleeve (5) has a right side (91) and a left side (92). Preferably, as shown in fig. 4, the outer sleeve (5) has a trapezoidal profile, with left (92) and right (91) sides angled. Thus, the planar area of the top surface (9) of the outer sleeve (5) is smaller than the planar area of the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, the planar area of the top face (9) is 30% to 99%, more preferably 40% to 80%, still more preferably 55% to 75%, or 60% to 70%, or 66% of the planar area of the bottom face (7). The angle of the left side (92) or the right side (91) with respect to a vertical plane (i.e., a plane orthogonal to the bottom surface (7)) is 0% to 30%, preferably 2% to 20%, more preferably 3% to 10%. An example of the planar area of the top face (9) is 30cm²To 120cm²Preferably 40cm²To 80cm²More preferably 50cm²To 70cm²Or about 62cm². Bottom surface (7) Is 45cm²To 180cm²Preferably 70cm²To 120cm²More preferably 80cm²To 105cm²Or about 93cm²。

The outer sleeve (5) has a maximum height (which is also the total maximum height of the entire packaging system (1) and is therefore used interchangeably herein), wherein the maximum height is from 6cm to 40cm, preferably from 8cm to 30cm, more preferably from 10cm to 20cm, or about 15 cm. For the sake of clarity, 0% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (or the packaging system (1)) is located at the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5), while 100% of the maximum height is located at the top surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5) (or the packaging system (1)). The maximum length of the outer sleeve (5), which is also the maximum length of the entire packaging system (1), measured along the length of the bottom surface (7), is 6cm to 40cm, preferably 8cm to 30cm, more preferably 10cm to 20cm, or about 15 cm. The maximum width of the outer sleeve (5), which is also the total width of the entire packaging system (1), is 2cm to 12cm, preferably 3cm to 10cm, more preferably 4cm to 7cm, or about 5 cm. The internal volume (without inclusions) of the outer jacket tube (5) was 200cm³To 5,000cm³Preferably 500cm³To 3,000cm³More preferably 800cm³To 1,500cm³Or about 1,150cm³。

Still referring to fig. 4, the outer sleeve (5) includes a window (35) occupying at least a portion of a front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, the window (35) also occupies a portion of the left side (92) or the right side (91); more preferably, the window occupies at least a portion of both the left side (92) and the right side (92). Preferably, the window is fixed (i.e. not intended to be openable by a user). Preferably, the window does not occupy any part of the top surface (9). The front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) may have a height of 75cm²To 400cm²Preferably 100cm²To 300cm²More preferably 175cm²To 225cm²Or about 203cm²Total planar area of (a). The back surface (58) may have a total planar area similar to the front surface (37), preferably wherein the size of the back surface (58) reflects the size of the front surface (37). From an external point of view, the window (35) may occupy 20% to 60%, preferably 25% to 55%, more preferably 25% to 55%, of the total planar area of the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5)Preferably 30% to 50%, or about 40%. The percent balance of the total planar area of the front face (37) is the non-window portion (38a, 38 b). The front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) has at least one non-window portion (38a) below the window (35) and an optional second non-window portion (38b) above the non-window portion (35), preferably the first non-window portion (38a) has a relatively large planar surface area to allow for communication of information to shoppers (the communication of information is not shown).

Still referring to fig. 4, the left side (92) or right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5) may each independently have 40cm²To 160cm²Preferably 60cm²To 100cm²More preferably 70cm²To 90cm²Or about 80cm²Total planar area of (a). From an external point of view, the window (35) may occupy 0% to 50%, preferably 3% to 25%, more preferably 5% to 20%, or about 15% of the total planar area of the left side (92) or the right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5). The outer sleeve (5) may be made of cardboard or paperboard, preferably paperboard. The window (35) is preferably made of plastic, wherein more preferably the plastic is transparent or translucent, more preferably transparent. Preferably, the cardboard is cut and a window (wherein the size of the window is larger than the size of the cut-out area) is placed to cover the cut-out area and attached (e.g. glued) such that an excess portion of the window is fixed to the inner surface of the cardboard of the outer sleeve (5) (and thus not visible from an external angle). Preferably, the window (35) is constructed from a single piece of plastic. The outer sleeve (5) (and the insert (3)) is made of cardboard or paperboard. The product longitudinal axis of the personal care products (11, 12) is orthogonal to the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5) (e.g., when the system (1) is properly displayed on a horizontal retail store shelf). Although reference is made to horizontal retail store shelves (throughout this specification), the packaging system (1) may also be hung for display/purchase, with a hanger for the packaging system (1) attached at or near the top surface (9) of the outer sleeve (5).

Figures 2 and 3 provide an insert (3) in which the personal care products (11, 12) are not secured. 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 respective heights (relative to the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) when the insert (3) is inserted into the outer sleeve (5)). Furthermore, the shelves (21, 22, 23) each lie in a plane which is parallel to the plane of the bottom face (7) and the plane of the top face (9) of the outer sleeve (5). The first horizontal shelf (21) is located at 30% to 60%, preferably 35% -50%, or 35% to 45%, or about 40% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). The second horizontal shelf (22) is located, in a plane parallel to the first horizontal shelf (21), at 5% to less than 30%, preferably 10% -20%, or about 15%, of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). Optionally but preferably, the bottom horizontal shelf (23) is located in a plane relative to the first horizontal shelf (21) and/or the second horizontal shelf (22). The bottom horizontal shelf (23) is located at 0% to less than 5%, preferably 0% to 4%, or about 0% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). The insert (3) further comprises a front vertical wall (25) and a rear vertical wall (27) opposite the front vertical wall (25), wherein the first horizontal shelf (21) and the second horizontal shelf (22) (and preferably the bottom horizontal shelf (23)) are each connected between the front vertical wall (25) and the rear vertical wall (27). Preferably, the front vertical wall (25) and the rear vertical wall (27) each have a height at least equal to the height of the first horizontal shelf (21). More preferably, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the rear vertical wall (27) has a height almost the same as the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (but slightly less than it, so that the insert (3) can be inserted into the outer sleeve (5)). In one example, the rear vertical wall (27) extends at 95% or more than 95%, or 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) within the outer sleeve (5) (as well as withstanding mechanical stresses 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 the first personal care product (11) therethrough, preferably by friction. Preferably, as best shown in fig. 1, the packaging system (1) comprises at least a first personal care product (11), said first personal care product (11) being secured by a first and a second through hole (31, 32). Referring to fig. 2 and 3, preferably, the first horizontal shelf (21) further comprises a third throughbore (33) and the second horizontal shelf (22) further comprises a fourth throughbore (34), wherein the third throughbore (33) and the fourth throughbore (34) are each configured to secure a second personal care product (12). Preferably, and as also best shown in fig. 1, the packaging system (1) further comprises 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 fixed vertically (that is, when the product longitudinal axes of the personal care products (11, 12) are orthogonal to the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5) (e.g., when the system (1) is properly displayed on a horizontal retail store shelf)). In one example, and in particular where the solution is adopted, at least the first and second products (11, 12) are fixed 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 from each other. And in this example, the second and fourth vias (32, 34) will have different cross-sectional areas and/or cross-sectional shapes from one another.

Still referring to fig. 2 and 3, preferably, the bottom horizontal shelf (23) of the insert (3), when present, has no through holes. Although not shown, the first and second horizontal shelves (21, 22) may include additional through-holes (axially aligned) and additional personal care products secured therethrough. When the insert (3) is inserted into the outer sleeve (5), the front vertical wall (25) of the insert (3) is adjacent to the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) and the rear vertical wall (27) of the insert (3) is adjacent to the rear face (58) of the outer sleeve (5). The insert (3) is preferably constructed of cardboard or paperboard, more preferably paperboard.

The outer sleeve (5) comprises a window (35) as shown in fig. 1 and 4. The window (35) occupies at least a portion of the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) which is located at least 30%, preferably 30% to 100%, more preferably 33% to 99%, still more preferably 35% to 99%, or about 40% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5) (relative to the bottom face (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). Preferably, the non-window portion (38a) of the front face (37) is less than 30%, or less than 33%, or less than 35% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, there is no window on the back face (58) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, as shown in fig. 1 and 4, the window (35) occupies at least a portion of either the left side (92) or the right side (91), more preferably both the left side (92) and the right side (91), which is located at least 30%, preferably 30% to 100%, more preferably 33% to 99%, still more preferably 35% to 99%, or about 40% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, although not shown, there is a left non-windowed portion of the left side (92) and/or a right non-windowed portion (93) of the right side (91) below 30%, or below 33%, or below 35% of the maximum height of the outer sleeve (5).

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 3, the front vertical wall (25) does not block the view through the window (35) (from an exterior perspective) (so the stationary personal care products (11, 12) can be seen by the 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 face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) extends from a height equal 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 face (7) of the outer sleeve (5)). This provides a potential advantage. First, the first horizontal shelf (21) will not obstruct the external view through the window (35). Second, a second non-window portion (38b) is at the extreme top of the front face (37) of the outer sleeve (5) to provide an area for attaching the window to the inner surface of the outer sleeve (5).

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the insert (3) may comprise at least a first flank (41) on either side of the insert (3). Although not shown in these figures (and therefore the interior of the insert (3) is visible), the lateral wing or wings (41) are substantially 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 contribute to the structural integrity of the insert (3). Preferably, the insert (3) comprises a second lateral wing (42) also substantially orthogonal to the first horizontal shelf (21), and wherein the second lateral wing (42) is substantially opposite the first lateral wing (41). Preferably, there is a first hinge line (51) separating the first lateral wing (41) from the first horizontal shelf (21), and a second hinge line (52) separating the second lateral wing (42) from the first horizontal shelf (21). These hinge lines (51, 52) extend across the entire width of the horizontal shelf (21). In one example, these hinge lines (51, 52) are fold lines (or perforated lines) wherein the side flaps (41, 42) can be pushed down (during manufacturing) when the insert (3) is inserted through the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5). After insertion, the first flank (41) is adjacent to the right side (91) of the outer sleeve (5) and the second flank (42) is adjacent to the left side (92) of the outer sleeve (5). The terms "substantially orthogonal" and "substantially opposite" refer to the following recognition: whereas the preferred example of the packaging system (1) has these angled left and right sides (91, 92) (to form a trapezoidal profile), the left and right sides (91, 92, respectively) of the outer sleeve (5) may not be perfectly vertical (i.e., not 90 degrees relative to the horizontal shelf (21)). The insert (3) may optionally comprise a third side wing (43) or a fourth side wing (not shown) also substantially orthogonal to the second horizontal shelf (22), and wherein the third side wing (43) is substantially opposite the fourth side wing. Preferably, there is a third hinge line (53) and an optional fourth hinge line (not shown) separating the fourth side wing from the second horizontal shelf (22). Preferably, the user will open the packaging system (1) from the top surface (9) of the outer sleeve (5). Preferably, the packaging system (1) is assembled (i.e. during manufacturing) such that the insert (3) and the secured personal care product (11, 12) are inserted through the bottom surface (7) of the outer sleeve (5). In one example, the inner surfaces of the top (9) and bottom (7) surfaces will contact the secured personal care products (11, 12) to provide additional points of securing the products (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. Rather, 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".

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated 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 any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the 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.