PAPERBOARD PACKAGING CONTAINERS
AND RELATED METHODS OF USE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to packaging, and related kits and
methods, for substances to be mixed for the treatment of keratinous substrates, such
as for example, hair and skin.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only
and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described in any way.
[0003] Various keratinous substrate treatment products, including for example
for the skin and/or hair, utilize multiple (e.g., two or more) substances that are initially
in separate containers and then mixed together before use. By way of example, hair
treatment products, such as, for example, hair-coloring (e.g., permanent, demipermanent,
or semi-permanent hair dyeing and highlighting) and hair relaxer
products generally utilize at least two substances that are initially provided in
separate containers and mixed together before, generally approximately immediately
before, use for application to the hair. Such products are therefore generally
packaged as a kit (e.g., a keratinous substrate coloring or treatment kit) that includes
an empty mixing tray into which the separate substances can be introduced and
mixed together when ready for use. Although convenient for consumers, such
disposable mixing trays account for a large portion of the kit's packaging waste.
Moreover, many such mixing trays are made of a plastic material that can take years
to degrade and can be expensive to recycle.
[0004] With growing concerns for the environment, including global warming
concerns for example, it is desirable to address the drawbacks of the amount of
waste derived from current packaging for various consumer products, including hair
and other keratinous substrate treatment products. For example, it may be desirable
to provide "green," or environmentally friendly packaging alternatives that can reduce
waste and/or are made substantially of renewable resources ft also may be
desirable to be able to reduce the overall size of the packaging as a way to reduce
waste. Further, it may be desirable to reduce the size and number of parts of
packaging for keratinous substrate treatment kits that can reduce costs associated
with manufacturing and/or shipping and handling. Such cost reductions in turn can
have a beneficial impact on the environment through, for example, reducing oil and
other energy consumption associated with manufacturing and/or shipping and
handling.
SUMMARY
[0005] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may solve
one or more of the above-mentioned problems and/or may demonstrate one or more
of the above-mentioned desirable features. Other features and/or advantages may
become apparent from the description that follows.
[0006] In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a method for
mixing substances for the treatment of keratinous substrates may comprise
separating a paperboard packaging container into at least two portions. The method
may also comprise removing at least two containers containing differing substances
from the paperboard packaging container and mixing the at least two substances
together in one of the at least two separated portions of the paperboard packaging
container so as to form a mixture of the at least two substances for the treatment of
keratinous substrates. The method may further comprise applying the mixture to a
keratinous substrate.
[0007] In accordance with various additional exemplary embodiments, a
keratinous substrate treatment kit may comprise a paperboard packaging container
and at least two containers disposed within the paperboard packaging container.
The at least two containers may contain differing substances configured to be mixed
together to form a mixture for treating keratinous substrates. The paperboard
packaging container can be configurable from a first configuration containing the at
least two containers to a second configuration providing a volume sufficient to
receive the substances from the at least two containers for mixing the substances
together.
[0008] In accordance with various further exemplary embodiments, a
paperboard packaging container for packaging components used to treat keratinous
substrates may comprise a foldable box defining an inner space and comprising a
body having lateral side faces and two end faces. The box is formed from a planar
blank, and the body faces each have two opposite ends, a first end comprising flaps
that cooperate to form a bottom end face of the foldable box and a second end
comprising flaps that cooperate to form a top end face of the foldable box. The
foldable box further comprises at least one perforated tear line at least partially
around a periphery of the foldable box so as to divide the foldable box into at least
two portions. At least one portion of the foldable box is configured for receiving a
mixture of at least two substances for treating a keratinous substrate.
[0009] Additional objects and advantages will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be
learned by practice of the present disclosure. At least some of those objects and
advantages may be realized and attained by means of the elements and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and
the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the present disclosure or claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[001 1] The present disclosure and claims can be better understood from the
following detailed description either alone or together with the accompanying
drawings. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are
incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one
or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the
description serve to explain various principles and operation.
[0012] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
hair treatment kit with a packaging container in a closed configuration and with its
contents removed in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the hair treatment kit of FIG. A
with the packaging container in an open configuration;
[00 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging
container of the kit of FIG. 1A;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the packaging container of the kit of FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank used to
form the packaging container of the kit of FIG. A;
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate exemplary steps of a method of treating hair
using a kit in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a packaging
container for a hair treatment kit in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank used
to form the packaging container of FIG. 6 .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0021] A variety of conventional kits for treating keratinous substrates include
several substances that need to be mixed together before use, for example
approximately immediately before use. For example, kits for treating hair may
contain substances that are mixed together to form, for example, a permanent, demipermanent,
or semi-permanent dye, a highlighter, a relaxer, or a straightener. n
various additional embodiments, kits for treating skin may contain substances that
are mixed together to form facial products, such as, for example, vitamin C serums.
Conventionally, such kits also include a mixing tray, e.g., a plastic mixing tray, that is
packaged as a component of the kit and used for mixing the treatment substances
together prior to use. Although convenient for consumers, such mixing trays
generate a significant amount of packaging waste. To provide more sustainable
packaging and decrease the amount of packaging waste from such kits, various
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide kits and methods for hair
treatment that utilize a packaging container, a portion of which can be used to mix
the substances together to obtain the hair treatment product, thereby eliminating the
need for a separate mixing tray. In various exemplary embodiments, hair treatment
kits and methods may utilize a foldable box as the packaging container. In various
exemplary embodiments, the foldable box has at least one perforated tear line at
least partially around the periphery of the box, which can provide a mechanism to
open the box and divide it into at least two portions, at least one of which can be
configured for receiving and mixing the substances for treating the hair.
[0022] In various exemplary embodiments, the packaging container may be
made of a paperboard material. Further, in various exemplary embodiments,
portions of the packaging container, for example, at least inner surface portions
intended to receive the substances for mixing, can be sufficiently hydrophobic so as
to provide a barrier to the liquid parts of the substances to be mixed, and in some
cases can act as a vapor barrier. By way of example, hydrophobic coatings or
linings may be provided on all portions of a paperboard material from which the
packaging container is made.
[0023] As used herein, the term "keratinous substrate treatment" and
variations thereof refers to the treatment and/or maintenance of keratinous
substrates, such as, for example, hair, skin, and/or nails on the human head and/or
body. Keratinous substrate treatment may differ according to one's hair, skin, and/or
nail type and according to various processes that can be applied to hair, skin and/or
nails. In various exemplary embodiments, for example, hair treatment may include
the processes of dyeing, highlighting, conditioning, straightening and/or relaxing hair.
As used herein, the term "keratinous substrate treatment kit" and variations thereof
generally refers to a set of substances and/or implements used for hair, skin, and/or
nail treatment that are packaged together. Accordingly, as used herein, the term
keratinous substrate treatment kit encompasses the packaging container containing
the keratinous substrate treatment substances. Any of such kits may be kits that are
commercially available for in-home or professional use. By way of example only,
hair treatment kits in accordance with the present disclosure may include, for
example, hair color (including permanent, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent dyes
and highlighting substances), reiaxer, and/or straightening kits that are commercially
available for in-home or professional use.
[0024] Those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that keratinous
substrate treatment kits in accordance with the present disclosure may also include
various types of substances, including, but not limited to, various powder, gel, cream
and/or liquid substances, and any combinations thereof, that form, fo example,
various liquid or semi-liquid pastes when mixed.
[0025] FIGS. A and B illustrate an exemplary hair treatment kit in
accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A hair
treatment kit 100 may include, for example, a packaging container 0 1 configured to
house at least two containers 131 and 132 respectively holding substances
configured to be mixed together before use (e.g., substantially immediately before
use) to obtain a hair treatment product. FIG. A depicts the packaging container 101
in a closed position and FIG. B depicts the packaging container 101 in an open
position. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that prior to use, the
packaging container 0 1 can contain the various other components shown and
described therein, but for ease of illustration and discussion those components are
shown outside of the packaging container 101 in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0026] in various embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, the
substances contained in the containers 3 1 and 32 may respectively comprise a
dye and a developer configured to be mixed together before use to obtain a hair
coloring product. In various additional embodiments, the substances in the
containers 131 and 132 may comprise a reiaxer or straightener comprising a least
two parts, which are configured to be mixed together immediately before use to
obtain a hair relaxing product. As those ordinarily skilled in the art would
understand, for example, in various embodiments, a relaxer may comprise an
alkaline component and an activator, which are configured to be mixed together
immediately before use to obtain a no-lye hair relaxer.
[0027] Those ordinarily skilled in the art would understand, however, that the
kit 100 may comprise any number and/or type of substances that are configured to
mixed together to obtain a hair treatment product, including, for example, various
powders, gels, creams and/or liquid products, without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art would further understand
that the containers 13 1 and 132 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B are
exemplary only and that any number and/or type of containers may used depending
on the type of substances being provided therein. Further, those having ordinary
skill in the art would appreciate that more than two containers may be packaged in
the packaging container 101 depending, for example, on the number of substances
that are desired to be held separately prior to mixing for use.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. A and B, in various exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure, the hair treatment kit 100 may further include a mixing tool 33 to
mix the substances together, and an applicator 134 to apply the mixture of
substances, for example, to hair. Although not depicted, those ordinarily skilled in
the art would further understand that the hair treatment kit 00 may include any
number and/or type of additional components, including, for example, instructions,
gloves, caps, additional containers containing substances not intended for mixing,
such as, for example, rinsing, conditioning, and/or neutralizing products, and other
items found in hair treatment kits as would be known to those having ordinary skill in
the art. Those ordinarily skilled in the art would also understand that the mixing tool
133 and the applicator 134 depicted in FIGS. A and B are exemplary only and that
the kit 100 may include various implements and/or tools for use in conjunction with
hair treatment products, including, but not limited to, various spoons, stirrers, finger
tools, combs and/or brushes. In accordance with the present disclosure, however, it
is contemplated that exemplary embodiments of hair treatment kits will not include a
separate mixing tray held within the packaging container 101 .
[0029] In various exemplary embodiments, the packaging container 0 1 may
comprise a foldable box. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, in various embodiments,
the packaging container 101 is formed from a planar blank, which may be folded to
form a structure suitable for containing the contents of the kit 100 (e.g., the
containers 131 and 132, and optionally other components such as the mixing tool
133 and applicator 134). The foldable box, may therefore be broken down to reduce
its overall size (e.g., unfolded to a flat form) for disposal and/or recycling.
[0030] In various additional exemplary embodiments, the packaging container
101 may comprise any paperboard carton, box and/or other structure suitable for
containing the contents of the kit 100. For environmental purposes (e.g., including
ease of recycling), for example, in various exemplary embodiments, the container
101 may be made, for example, from recycled and/or biodegradable materials, such
as paperboard for example. Those ordinarily skilled in the art would understand,
however, that the packaging container 101 may be formed from various paper pulp
based materials.
[0031] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, one or
more portions of the container 101 can provide a liquid and/or vapor barrier, such
that when liquid substances are mixed within the container 0 1 they do not bleed
through and/or leak from the container 101. Those ordinarily skilled in the art would
understand that various methods and/or techniques may be used to provide such a
barrier.
[0032] In various exemplary embodiments, for example, the container 101
may be formed from a paperboard material with a hydrophobic coating, such as, for
example, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) coating. For example, at least interior
surface portions of the container 0 1 are provided with a hydrophobic material
coating or other layers deposited thereon. In various exemplary embodiments, both
exterior and interior surface portions may be provided with the hydrophobic material.
Further, in various exemplary embodiments, portions of the container 101 may be
provided with the hydrophobic material coating or layer and other portions may be
free of the same. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the
hydrophobic material is provided on the interior and/or exterior surface portions of a
part of the container intended to be used for receiving and mixing the substances, for
example, a bottom portion of the container in various exemplary embodiments.
Those ordinarily skilled in the art would further understand that the type and/or
thickness of paperboard material used for the container 101, and the type and/or
thickness of the coating applied (if any), may be chosen based on the components
being packaged, the substances being mixed, the water vapor transmission rate of
the coating, cost, and other design factors. In various embodiments, for example,
instead of coating portions of the container 101, one of the substances may be
packaged, for example, in a film pouch or bag that may be used to line the interior
surface portions of the portion of the container intended to be used for receiving and
mixing the substances.
[0033] In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the packaging container 0 1 may comprise at
least one perforated tear line 105, which wraps at least partially around the periphery
of the container 101 so as to divide the container 101 into two portions 103 and 104.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in an exemplary embodiment, the tear line 05 can wrap
around the entire periphery of the container 101, extending in a direction that is
substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis A of the container 0 . In such a
configuration, the container 101 may be opened by tearing the container 101 along
the perforated tear line 105 and a first portion 103 of the container 101 can be
separated and removed from a second portion 104, as illustrated in FIG. B. In
various exemplary embodiments, at least one of the portions 103 and 104 can
provide a structure and volume sufficient for receipt and mixing of substances in
containers 131 and 132. Thus, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments
of the present disclosure, the kit 00 does not include a separate mixing tray for
mixing the substances of containers 131 and 132 together, but utilizes a portion of
the packaging container 101 (i.e., portion 103 and/or portion 04) to mix the
substances, as described below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5D for example.
[0034] Although the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. and B illustrate a
packaging container 0 1 having a tear line 105 that extends around the entire
periphery of the container 101 , in alternative exemplary embodiments, the tear line
105 can extend only partially around the periphery. In this way, the container can be
opened with the two portions separated from each other into differing volumes but
still connected (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). For example, the tear line could extend around
three faces of the container 101 and not around a fourth face in a configuration
wherein the container 101 is in the shape of a box.
W 201
[0035] For a better understanding of an exemplary construction of a
packaging container, such as, e.g., packaging container 101, that has a foldable box
configuration, reference is now made to FIG. 4, the parts of which are indicated,
wherever possible, using the same reference numerals, with subscripts, as for the
corresponding parts of the assembled packaging container 101 shown in FIGS. 1-3.
As shown in FIG. 4 , in various exemplary embodiments, the paperboard packaging
container 101 may be formed from a corresponding planar blank 150. The blank 150
is substantially in the form of a plurality of sections that interconnect or meet each
other along various crease lines as the following description explains in more detail.
The blank 50 includes first and second main faces 06 and 08 and first and
second side faces 107 and 109. As shown in FIG. 4, respective crease lines b, c ,
and d are located between adjacent ones of the faces 106, 107, 108 and 109.
[0036] The faces 106, 107, 8 and 109 are substantially the same height H,
while a width mo the main faces 106 and 108 is greater than a width W of the
side faces 107 and 109 in the embodiment depicted, though this could be vice versa
or the widths could be substantially similar. The first side face 107 is disposed
between main faces 6 and 08, and the second side face 09 is laterally
connected to the main face 108. A gluing flap 110 extends from the first main face
106 and is configured to connect the first main face 106 to the second side face 109
in the assembled configuration of the blank 150 to form a container. Thus, when
assembled (i.e., when the gluing flap 10 is adhesively secured to the second side
face 109), the main faces 106 and 108 and the side faces 107 and 109 cooperate to
form a foldable box body 102 (See FIG. 2). The foldable box body 102 may, for
example, define an inner space 119 (See FIG. 1B) that is suitable and large enough
for containing the contents of the kit 100.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, bottom flaps 116, 1 7 and 118 respectively extend
from one end of each face 107, 108 and 109, and are connected thereto at a crease
line e that extends across the width of the faces 07, 108, and 109. When
assembled, the bottom flaps 1 6, 117 and 1 8 are folded along the crease line e in a
direction toward an interior of the formed box (e.g. into the plane of the drawing
sheet), and cooperate to form a closed bottom end face 141 of the folding box (See
FIGS. 2 and 3) as would be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art.
Similarly, cover flaps 111, 112, 113 and 114 respectively extend from an end of each
face 106, 107, 108 and 109 opposite the end from which the flaps 116- 18 extend.
The cover flaps 1 1-1 14 are connected to the faces 106-109 at a crease line f that
extends across the widths of the faces 106-109. When assembled, the cover flaps
111, 112, 113 and 114 are folded along the crease line f in a direction toward an
interior of the formed box (e.g. into the plane of the drawing sheet), and cooperate to
form a top end face 0 of the folding box (see FIGS. 2 and 3) as would also be
understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art.
[0038] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one end 0
and/or 141 of the folding box may be sealed, such as, for example, with a glue or
other sealant, as would be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art. As such,
the seams created by the flaps may be sealed to make the ends of the folding box
water tight (i.e., to help prevent the mixture of substances from leaking out of the
portion 103 and/or the portion 104). As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, for
example, in various embodiments, a top end (i.e., 1 0) of the folding box may be
sealed such that the portion 03 may be used to mix the substances.
[0039] In various additional embodiments, the blank 150 may further include
support panels 115, 115a, and 115b. When assembled, the support panel 115 is
folded along a crease line g in a direction toward an interior of the formed box (e.g.
into the plane of the drawing sheet) and into the box along the front face 06. The
support panels 115a and 1 5b are then respectively folded along crease lines h and
i to line the side faces 109 and 107 (See FIG. 1B). As would be understood by those
ordinarily skilled in the art, the support panels 115, 15a, and 115b are, for example,
glued to an interior surface of each respective face 106, 109, and 107 to provide
support to the foldable box body 02 (e.g., since the faces are perforated (i.e.,
weakened) as described below).
[0040] Each face 106, 07, 108 and 9 includes a respective portion of the
perforated tear line 105, such that each face is divided into two respective portions
153 and 154 that together form the portions 103 and 1 4 of the separated container
101. Thus, when the foldable box is assembled, the perforated tear line 105 extends
around the periphery of the container 101 as described above with reference to the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. As also depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.
1-4, the container 101 may be torn along the perforated tear line 105 and portion 103
may be flipped up along a section 125 of the perforated tear line 105 (See FIG. 5A).
The container 101 may then be torn along section 125 to separate portion 103 from
portion 104 (See FIG. 5B). In various additional embodiments of the present
disclosure, for example, section 25 may comprise a seam (i.e., that is not
perforated), such that portion 103 may remain connected to portion 104 along face
108.
[0041] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, in various exemplary
embodiments, the perforated tear line 5 is positioned at differing heights along the
main faces 06 and 108, such that a front face 103a of portion 103 is higher than a
back face 103b of portion 103 (See FIG. 3). Such a configuration not only gives
portion 03 a unique shape, but reduces the risk of damage to the container 101
along the perforated tear line 105 (i.e., since the perforated tear line 105 along faces
106, 109 and 107 is positioned below the height of the support panels 115 , 115a,
and 15b).
[0042] Those ordinarily skilled in the art would understand that the container
101 is exemplary only that the size and/or configuration (i.e., dimensions and/or
blank patterns) of the container 101 may be chosen based on the components being
packaged, cost, manufacturing efficiency, and other such design factors. In
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, a
length (i.e., Wmof blank 150) of the container 101 may range from about 3.5 inches
to about 4.5 inches, a width (i.e., Ws of blank 150) of the container 101 may range
from about 2.375 inches to about 3.5 inches, and a depth (i.e., H of blank 150) of the
container 101 may range from about 6.25 inches to about 6.5 inches. Thus, in
accordance with various embodiments, a volume of the container 101 my range from
about 59.38 square inches to about 79.63 square inches. Those ordinarily skilled in
the art would understand, however, that the above dimensions and volumes are
exemplary only, and may be particularly useful, for example, when packaging hair
coloring products, such as, for example, hair dyes and highlighters. Furthermore, as
would be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, the overall weight of the kit
may be reduced due to the elimination of the plastic mixing tray, which may
consequently reduce costs associated with shipping and/or handling . n various
exemplary embodiments, for example, the weight of the kit may be reduced by about
.4 grams due to the elimination of the plastic mixing tray. Those ordinarily skilled
in the art would further understand that the size and/or configuration of the dividable
portions 103 and 04 may be chosen based on the volume of substances to be
mixed within the respective portions 103 and 104. In various embodiments, for
example, the portion (i.e., 103 and/or 104) used to mix the substances may have a
volume ranging from of about 7.5 cubic inches to about 25 cubic inches. It is,
therefore, within the ability of one ordinarily skilled in the art to determine the number,
pattern, and/or configuration of perforated tear lines 105 to obtain a portion 103
and/or a portion 104 of a sufficient capacity to permit the desired mixing.
[0043] In various additional embodiments, for example, as shown with respect
to FIGS. 6 and 7, a kit 200 may comprise a packaging container 201 having two sets
of perforated tear lines 220 and 22 positioned so as to define a tear-off strip 222, as
those having ordinary skill in the art are familiar with. As shown in FIG. 6, in various
embodiments, the perforated tear lines 220 and 221 extend in a direction that is
substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis A of the container 201 . The tear-off
strip 222 may, therefore, be torn to tear the container 201 into two portions 203 and
204, wherein at least one of the portions 203 and/or 204 is configured for receiving a
mixture of at least two substances for application onto hair.
[0044] Those ordinarily skilled in the art would also understand that in various
embodiments the entire container 101 may be used to mix the substances (i.e.,
without separating the container 0 1 into portions). In such a configuration, for
example, the cover flaps of the box may be opened and the contents of the
components 13 1 and 32 may be poured directly into the inner space 19 of the box.
[0045] Those ordinarily skilled in the art would further understand that the
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-4 and 6 and 7 are exemplary only at that various
additional packaging configurations are contemplated without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, for example, the
packaging container may be constructed using at least two separate pieces of
paperboard, such that the pieces are configured to fit into one another to form a
telescoping carton as understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art. Those having
ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, based on the disclosure herein, various
other embodiments of packaging containers that are configurable from a first
configuration providing an inner space having the capacity to hold various kit
components to be packaged to a second configuration providing a volume sufficient
and configured to receive substances packaged in the kit for mixing together prior to
use; such other packaging embodiments, configurations, and modifications to the
exemplary embodiments herein are considered within the scope of the present
disclosure and teachings.
[0046] As above, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the
present teachings, the packaging container 201 may be a foldable box formed from a
corresponding planar blank 250 as shown in FIG. 7 . Similar to the blank 150 of FIG.
4, blank 250 includes first and second main faces 206 and 208, first and second side
faces 207 and 209, and a gluing flap 210. Thus, as above, when assembled (i.e.,
when the gluing flap 210 is adhesively secured to the second side face 209), the
faces 206-209 cooperate to form a foldable box body 202. The faces 206-209 each
have two opposite ends, with a first end comprising bottom flaps 215, 216, 217 and
218 that cooperate to form a bottom end 240 of the foldable box, and a second end
comprising cover flaps 2 11, 212, 213 and 214 that cooperate to form a top end 241
of the foldable box.
[0047] Each face 206-209 includes a respective portion of the perforated tear
lines 220 and 221, such that each face is divided into two respective portions 253
and 254 that together form the portions 203 and 204 of the separated container 201.
Thus, when the foldable box is assembled, the perforated tear lines 220 and 221
extend around the periphery of the container 20 . The container 201 may therefore
be torn along the perforated tear lines 220 and 221 via the tear strip 222 to separate
portion 203 from portion 204.
[0048] As would be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the art, blanks in
accordance with the present disclosure may be formed from various foldable
materials, including, for example, various paperboard materials, such as, for
example, a recycled cardboard product. Those ordinarily skilled in the art would
further understand that blanks may be formed from a paperboard material with a
hydrophobic coating, such as, for example, a low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
coating. For example, at least portions of the blank that form interior surface
portions of the box may be provided with a hydrophobic material coating or other
layers deposited thereon. In various exemplary embodiments, both portions that
form exterior and interior surface portions of the box may be provided with the
hydrophobic material. Further, in various exemplary embodiments, portions of the
blank may be provided with the hydrophobic material coating or layer and other
portions may be free of the same. For example, in at least one exemplary
embodiment, the hydrophobic material may be provided on the interior and/or
exterior surface portions of the blank that form a portion of the box that is intended to
be used for receiving and mixing the substances, for example, a top portion 153
and/or a bottom portion 54, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 .
[0049] With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5D, an exemplary method for using a
hair treatment kit 500 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure is set forth in the following description. As set forth in the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7 above, a packaging container 501 can be
opened to provide access to various components packaged in the container,
including but not limited to, for example, containers 531 and 532 containing
substances to be mixed for use in treating the hair, a mixing tool 533, and an
applicator 534.
[0050] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
packaging container 501 can be opened by tearing the packaging container 501
along at least one perforated tear line 505, which wraps at least partially around a
periphery of the container 501 in a manner similar to that described with reference to
the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 5A, in various
embodiments, to open the container 501 , the container 501 may be torn at the
perforated tear line 505 and flipped open. In various embodiments, for example, a
portion 503 of the container 501 may be flipped up along a section 525 of the tear
line 505, and then torn along section 525 to be separated from a portion 504 of the
container 50 . In various additional embodiments, section 525 may comprise a
seam (i.e., that is not perforated), such that portion 503 may be flipped open while
remaining connected to portion 504.
[0051] Those ordinarily skilled in the art would understand, however, that the
paperboard packaging container may be opened, and split into portions, using
various techniques and/or methods, including, but not limited to, tearing and/or
cutting the container. n various additional exemplary embodiments, for example,
the paperboard packaging container 501 may be opened and split into portions 503
and 504 by tearing a tear-off strip. As those ordinarily skilled in the art would further
understand, the tear-off strip may wrap around the entire periphery of the container
501, or partially around the periphery of the container 501 so as to provide a flip top
configuration as described above.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 5B, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the
portion 503 may be completely detached from the portion 504, either by further
tearing the container 501 along the perforated or non-perforated section 525, or by
providing a tear line or tear strip around the entire periphery of the container 50 .
[0053] After opening the container 501 , the contents (e.g., the containers 531
and 532, the mixing tool 533, and the applicator 534) can be removed from the
container 501, as is depicted in FIG. 5B.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 5C, a hair treatment product 535 (see FIG. 5D),
such as, for example, a hair coloring or relaxing product, may then be prepared by
pouring the substances 543 and 544 from the containers 531 and 532 into the
portion 503. Various embodiments of the present teachings contemplate, for
example, that substances 543 and 544 may be poured directly into the portion 503
such that the portion 503 is configured for receiving the substances without leaking.
As above, in various exemplary embodiments, for example, at least an interior
surface 530 of the portion 503 can be hydrophobic, such as, for example, made of a
paperboard coated or otherwise provided with a hydrophobic material, such as, for
example, a LDPE coating. In various additional embodiments, portion 503 may be
sealed. For example, flaps of a blank forming the closed end face 541 of the portion
503 can be sealed at the seams and/or along the edges with glue.
[0055] Although, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5C, the
substances 543 and 544 may be poured into a top portion (i.e., portion 503) of the
packaging container 501 , those ordinarily skilled in the art would understand that the
substances 543 and 544 could alternatively be poured into a bottom portion of the
container 501 (i.e., portion 504) for mixing together the substances 543 and 544 to
form the hair treatment product 535.
[0056] As those ordinarily skilled in the art would understand, in various
embodiments, the substances 543 and 544 may also be poured into the packaging
container 501 without separating the container into portions 503 and 504, such that
the entire volume of the container 501 may be used to mix the substances 543 and
544 together.
10057] The substances 543 and 544 may then be mixed together within
portion 503 to obtain the hair treatment product 535. Various embodiments of the
present disclosure contemplate, for example, mixing the substances together with a
mixing tool 533, as shown in FIG. 5D. Those ordinarily skilled in the art would
understand, however, that various types of tools and/or methods may be used to mix
the substances 543 and 544 together without departing from the scope of the
present teachings. Those ordinarily skilled in the art would understand, for example,
that the substances 543 and 544 may be mixed using various mixing tools, including,
but not limited to, various types of spatulas, spoons and/or sticks.
[0058] Once the substances 543 and 544 have been sufficiently mixed, the
mixture that forms a hair treatment product 535 can be applied to hair using the
applicator 534 for example, as those ordinarily skilled in the art are familiar with. In
various exemplary embodiments, the hair treatment product 535 is applied to the hair
immediately after mixing the substances 543 and 544 together. Those ordinarily
skilled in the art would further understand that the hair treatment product 535 may be
applied using various application devices, including, but not limited to, various types
of finger tools, combs and/or brushes.
[0059] Although the detailed description and exemplary illustrated
embodiments were described with reference to hair treatment kits, it will be
appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure
that the present disclosure may also provide packaging container embodiments, kits,
and methods of use for various additional applications, such as, for example, various
cosmetic and dermatological applications. In particular, the embodiments described
could be used for a variety of purposes in which it is desirable to package one or
more substances in separate containers, but that require mixing prior to application
onto keratinous substrates (e.g., hair, skin, and/or nails). Further modifications and
alternative embodiments to accommodate such applications would be apparent to
those skilled in the art in view of this description.
[0060] The packaging container embodiments and kits may also include
additional components that were omitted from the drawings for clarity of illustration.
Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the
purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the
present disclosure.
[0061] It is to be understood that the various embodiments shown and
described herein are to be taken as exemplary. Elements and materials, and
arrangements of those elements and materials, may be substituted for those
illustrated and described herein, parts may be reversed, and certain features of the
present disclosure may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one
skilled in the art after having the benefit of the description herein. Changes may be
made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present disclosure and following claims, including their equivalents.
[0062] It is to be understood that the particular examples and embodiments
set forth herein are non-limiting, and modifications to structure, dimensions,
materials, and methodologies may be made without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0063] It is to be further understood that this description's terminology is not
intended to limit the invention. For example, spatially relative terms, such as "front",
"back," "top", "bottom", "side," and the like, may be used to describe one element's or
feature's relationship to another element or feature as intended to connote the
orientation of the container for display and use and as illustrated in the figures.
These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions (i.e.,
locations) and orientations (i.e., rotational placements) of a container in use in
addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a
container in the figures is turned over, elements described as "top" or "bottom" would
then be reversed. A container may also be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0064] For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless
otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions,
and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be
understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" if they are not
already. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set
forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may
vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present
disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the
doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should
at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by
applying ordinary rounding techniques.
[0065] It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims,
the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include
plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used
herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variants are intended to be nonlimiting,
such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items
that can be substituted or added to the listed items.
[0066] It should be understood that while the present disclosure have been
described in detail with respect to various exemplary embodiments thereof, it should
not be considered limited to such, as numerous modifications are possible without
departing from the broad scope of the appended claims, including the equivalents
they encompass.
We Claim:
1. A method for mixing substances for the treatment of keratinous substrates, the
method comprising:
separating a paperboard packaging container into at least two portions;
removing at least two containers containing differing substances from the
paperboard packaging container;
mixing the at least two substances together in one of the at least two
separated portions of the paperboard packaging container so as to form a mixture of
the at least two substances for the treatment of keratinous substrates; and
applying the mixture to a keratinous substrate.
2 . The method of claim , wherein separating the paperboard packaging container
into at least two portions comprises tearing the paperboard packaging container
along a perforated tear line.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein tearing the paperboard packaging container
along the perforated tear line comprises tearing off a strip defined by a plurality of
perforated tear lines.
4. The method of claim , wherein the at least two substances are configured to be
mixed together immediately before use to obtain a keratinous substrate treatment
product.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein mixing the at least two substances together
forms a mixture for treating hair.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein mixing the at least two substances together
forms a mixture for coloring hair.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein mixing the at least two substances comprises
mixing a dye and a developer.
8 . The method of claim 5, wherein mixing the at least two substances forms a
mixture for relaxing hair.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein mixing the at least two substances comprises
mixing a relaxer comprising a least two parts.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein mixing the at least two substances together in a
portion of the paperboard packaging container comprises mixing the at least two
substances in a top portion of the paperboard packaging container that is openable
to provide access to the at least two containers packaged in the packaging container.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein mixing the at least two substances in a portion of
the paperboard packaging container comprises mixing the at least two substances in
a portion of the paperboard packaging container that holds the containers after
separating the two portions of the packaging container.
12. A keratinous substrate treatment kit comprising:
a paperboard packaging container; and
at least two containers disposed within the paperboard packaging container
and containing differing substances configured to be mixed together to form a
mixture for treating keratinous substrates,
wherein the paperboard packaging container is configurable from a first
configuration containing the at least two containers to a second configuration
providing a volume sufficient to receive the substances from the at least two
containers for mixing the substances together.
13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the kit does not include a structure defining an
empty volume sufficient for mixing the substances other than the paperboard
packaging container.
14. The kit of claim 12, wherein a portion of the paperboard packaging container is
separable from a remaining portion of the paperboard packaging container.
15. The kit of claim , further comprising a mixing tool.
16. The kit of claim 12, further comprising an applicator.
17. The kit of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of an interior surface of the
paperboard packaging container is hydrophobic.
18. The kit of claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of the
paperboard packaging container has a low-density polyethylene coating.
. The kit of claim 12, wherein the paperboard packaging container comprises at
least one perforated tear line at least partially around a periphery of the paperboard
packaging container.
20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the at least one perforated tear line extends in a
direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the paperboard packaging
container.
2 1. The kit of claim 12, wherein the substances are configured to be mixed together
immediately before use to obtain a keratinous treatment product.
22. The kit of claim 2, wherein the substances comprise substances configured to
be mixed together to form a hair treatment product.
23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the substances comprise a dye and a developer
configured to be mixed together to obtain a hair coloring product.
24. The kit of claim 22, wherein the substances comprise a relaxer comprising a
least two parts configured to be mixed together to obtain a hair relaxing product.
25. A paperboard packaging container for packaging components used to treat
keratinous substrates, the container comprising:
a foldable box defining an inner space and comprising a body having lateral
side faces and two end faces, wherein the box is formed from a planar blank;
wherein the body faces each have two opposite ends, a first end comprising
flaps that cooperate to form a bottom end face of the foldable box and a second end
comprising flaps that cooperate to form a top end face of the foldable box,
wherein the foldable box further comprises at least one perforated tear line at
least partially around a periphery of the foldable box so as to divide the foldable box
into at least two portions,
wherein at least one portion of the foldable box is configured for receiving a
mixture of at least two substances for treating a keratinous substrate.
26. The packaging container of claim 25, wherein at least a portion of an interior
surface of the foldable box is hydrophobic.
27. The packaging container of claim 26, wherein at least a portion of the interior
surface of the foldable box has a low-density polyethylene coating.
28. The packaging container of claim 25, wherein the at least one perforated tear
line extends in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the
foldable box.
29. The packaging container of claim 25, wherein at least one end of the foldable
box is sealed.