Consumer Product Dispensing System and Method for Assembling the Same

The present disclosure relates generally to consumer product dispensing systems, more particularly, to shaving razor cartridge dispensing systems including a plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers and methods for assembling a shaving razor cartridge dispensing system.

In general, shaving razor cartridges of the wet shave type include a cartridge or blade unit with at least one blade with a cutting edge which is moved across a surface of a user's skin being shaved by means of a handle to which the shaving razor cartridge is attached. The shaving razor cartridge may be mounted detachably on the handle to enable the shaving razor cartridge to be replaced by a fresh shaving razor cartridge when the blade sharpness has diminished to an unsatisfactory level, or it may be attached permanently to the handle with the intention that the entire shaving razor be discarded when the blade or blades have become dulled (i.e., disposable razor).

Consumers are starting to demand products and packages that are more sustainable, have less waste and a smaller environmental impact. However, shaving razor cartridge dispensing systems are most often formed of plastic and are rarely recycled by the consumer. Furthermore, sustainable materials are very limited as to design features that may be incorporated. For example, unlike plastic injection molded dispensing systems, pulp formed materials cannot be easily manufactured with cut outs, undercuts or lugs to retain the shaving razor cartridges.

Despite the use of known packaging techniques, there remains a need to further modify consumer product dispensing systems, for example, shaving razor cartridge dispensing systems to provide a dispensing system that is sustainable, conveniently and efficiently retains, dispenses and accepts consumer product containers, for example, shaving razor cartridge containers in a manner that minimizes the amount of materials used in the packaging by optimizing the space occupied by the shaving razor cartridge containers in the package, is intuitive and easy to use for a consumer, and also provides cost savings from the use of materials, such as paperboard and others that are less expensive than the known plastic trays and current enclosed and/or sealed packaging.

In accordance with one aspect, a consumer product dispensing system is provided, comprising, for example, a shaving razor cartridge dispensing system, having a sleeve comprising a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a pair of side walls, in which the side walls are opposite each other and connect the first and second walls to define a sleeve cavity within which one or more, for example, a plurality of consumer product containers, such as shaving razor cartridge containers, are received, retained, and dispensed, for example, slidably received, retained, and slidably dispensed from during use by a consumer. The system may further comprise one or more shaving razor cartridges and a plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers. At least two of the shaving razor cartridge containers each comprise (i) a shaving razor cartridge container recess that receives at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridges, and (ii) a shaving razor cartridge container access opening through which the at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridges is removed from the shaving razor cartridge container during use. A first shaving razor cartridge container of the at least two shaving razor cartridge containers is positioned within the sleeve cavity of the sleeve with the shaving razor cartridge container access opening of the first shaving razor cartridge container facing the first wall of the sleeve, and a second shaving razor cartridge container of the at least two shaving razor cartridge containers is positioned within the sleeve cavity of the sleeve with the shaving razor cartridge container access opening of the second shaving razor cartridge container facing the second wall of the sleeve.

In another aspect, a consumer product dispensing system is provided, the system comprising a sleeve comprising a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a pair of side walls, in which the side walls are opposite each other and connect the first and second walls to define a sleeve cavity; one or more consumer products; and a plurality of consumer product containers, at least two of which each comprise (i) a consumer product container recess that receives at least one of the one or more consumer products, and (ii) a consumer product container access opening through which the at least one of the one or more consumer products is removed from the consumer product container during use. A first consumer product container of the at least two consumer product containers is positioned within the sleeve cavity of the sleeve with the consumer product container access opening of the first consumer product container facing the first wall of the sleeve, and a second consumer product container of the at least two consumer product containers is positioned within the sleeve cavity of the sleeve with the consumer product container access opening of the second consumer product container facing the second wall of the sleeve.

In a further aspect, a method for assembling a consumer product dispensing system, the method comprising: providing a sleeve comprising a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a pair of side walls, in which the side walls are opposite each other and connect the first and second walls to define a sleeve cavity; providing a first consumer product container, in which the first consumer product container comprises a first consumer product container recess configured to receive at least one consumer product, and a first consumer product container access opening configured to permit removal of the at least one consumer product from the consumer product container through the consumer product container access opening during use; providing a second consumer product container, in which the second consumer product container comprises a second consumer product container recess configured to receive at least one consumer product, and a second consumer product container access opening configured to permit removal of the at least one consumer product from the second consumer product container through the second consumer product container access opening during use; inserting at least a first consumer product into the first consumer product container recess through the first consumer product container access opening of the first consumer product container; inserting at least a second consumer product into the second consumer product container recess through the second consumer product container access opening of the second consumer product; and inserting the first and second consumer product containers into the sleeve cavity of the sleeve, such that the first consumer product container is positioned within the sleeve cavity of the sleeve with the first consumer product container access opening facing the first wall of the sleeve and the second consumer product container is positioned within the sleeve cavity of the sleeve with the second consumer product container access opening facing the second wall of the sleeve.

Referring to, perspective views, exploded views, and cross section views of one example of a consumer product dispensing system in accordance with the present disclosure, in this case, a shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemand components thereof, is illustrated. The shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemcomprises a sleeve, which may be hollow. The sleevemay comprise a first wall, a second wallopposite the first wall, and a pair of side walls,, in which the side walls,are opposite each other and connect the first walland the second wallto define a sleeve cavityof the sleeve. Although the sleeveis depicted inas having a substantially rectangular cross-section, it may be understood that other cross-sectional geometries are possible, including circular, semi-circular, square, etc. In addition, while the first and second walls,are depicted as having a larger surface area than the side walls,, it may be understood that other configurations are possible.

The shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemin accordance with the present disclosure may comprise one or more shaving razor cartridges, in this case a plurality of shaving razor cartridgesA-D (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) and one or more, in this case a plurality of shaving razor cartridge containersA-D (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral), in which the shaving razor cartridge containersmay each contain at least one of the shaving razor cartridges. The plurality of shaving razor cartridgesmay be releasably received within, retained in, and dispensed from, the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers. As described herein, the consumer product dispensing system may comprise a plurality of consumer products other than, or in addition to, shaving razor cartridges, such as unit dose consumer products, for example, disposable manual and/or electric toothbrush heads, soluble fibrous structure consumer productssuch as EC30 Clean swatches, and pods or pouchessuch as laundry detergent and/or dishwashing detergent pods, that are contained in, e.g., releasably received within, retained in, and dispensed from, the plurality of consumer product containers,,, respectively (see).

The shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemof the present disclosure comprises a plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, from two to four, or for example, from three to four, shaving razor cartridge containerswithin the sleeve cavityof the sleeveof the shaving razor cartridge dispensing system. In the example shown in, the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containerswithin the sleeve cavityof the sleeveof the shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemmay comprise at least two shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, at least two and/or at least three and/or at least four shaving razor cartridge containersA-D. Each shaving razor cartridge containerA-D may comprise a first shaving razor cartridge container wallA-D (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral); a second shaving razor cartridge container wallA-D (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral); a shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA-D (collectively referred to herein with reference numeral); and first and second end walls (not labeled). The shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA-D and the first and second end walls of each shaving razor cartridge containerA-D extend between and connect the respective first and second shaving razor cartridge container wallsA-D andA-D to define a respective shaving razor cartridge container recessA-D (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) that receives at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridgesA-D and a respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingA-D (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) through which at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridgesA-D is removed from the shaving razor cartridge containerA-D during use.

In one example, the shaving razor cartridge containerswithin the sleeve cavityof the sleevemay be positioned in adjacent, alternating positions where the respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingsof adjacent shaving razor cartridge containersface the first wall, the second wall, the first wall, the second wall, etc. With continued reference to, in one example, a first one of the shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerA orC, is positioned within the sleeve cavityof the sleevewith the respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingA orC facing the first wallof the sleeve, and a second one of the shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerB orD, is positioned within the sleeve cavityof the sleevewith the respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingB orD facing the second wallof the sleeve. In one particular example, a first shaving razor cartridge container, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerA, is positioned within the sleeve cavityof the sleevewith the shaving razor cartridge container access openingA facing the first wallof the sleeve; a second shaving razor cartridge container, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerB, is positioned within the sleeve cavityof the sleevewith the shaving razor cartridge container access openingB facing the second wallof the sleeve; a third one of the shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerC, is positioned within the sleeve cavityof the sleevewith the shaving razor cartridge container access openingC facing the first wallof the sleeve; and a fourth one of the shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerD, is positioned within the sleeve cavityof the sleevewith the shaving razor cartridge container access openingD facing the second wallof the sleeve.

Even though the disclosure describes adjacent, alternating positions of the shaving razor cartridge container access openings, the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. In one example, adjacent shaving razor cartridge containerswithin the sleeve cavityof the sleevemay be positioned such that the respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingsface the same wall, for example, one of the first wallor the second wall, of the sleeve, so long as the shaving razor cartridge container access openingof at least one other shaving razor cartridge containerfaces a different wall, for example, the other of the first wallor the second wall, of the sleeve.

In one example, the shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemmay comprise the first, second, third, and fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D containing a respective one of the first, second, third, and fourth shaving razor cartridgesA-D, in which two or more of the first, second, third, and fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D are adjacent to one another, for example, the first shaving razor cartridge containerA and the second shaving razor cartridge containerB are adjacent to one another, and/or the second shaving razor cartridge containerB is adjacent to both the first shaving razor cartridge containerA and the third shaving razor cartridge containerC, and/or the third shaving razor cartridge containerC is adjacent to both the second shaving razor cartridge containerB and the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD, and/or the third shaving razor cartridge containerC is adjacent the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD.

In one example, at least a portion of two or more of the shaving razor cartridge containersmay be in contact with one another, as described herein. For example, at least a portion of one of the first, second, third, and/or fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D is in contact with at least a portion of at least one other of the first, second, third, and/or fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D. In one example, as shown in, at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA is in contact with at least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and/or at least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB is in contact with at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA and with at least a portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC, and/or at least a portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC is in contact with at least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB and with at least a portion of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD, and/or the third shaving razor cartridge containerC is in contact with at least a portion of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD.

In one example, at least a portion of two or more of the shaving razor cartridge containersoverlap one another, for example, at least a portion of one of the two or more shaving razor cartridge containersoverlaps at least a portion of one other of the two or more shaving razor cartridge containersby at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the one or the other shaving razor cartridge container, as described herein. With reference to, in one example, at least a portion of one of the first, second, third, and/or fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D overlaps at least a portion of at least one other of the first, second, third, and/or fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D by at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the one or the other shaving razor cartridge containerA-D. In one example, at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA overlaps at least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and/or at least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB overlaps at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA and overlaps at least a portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC, and/or at least a portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC overlaps at least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB and overlaps at least a portion of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD, and/or the third shaving razor cartridge containerC overlaps at least a portion of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD. In one example, the overlapping occurs without inhibiting access to the shaving razor cartridge container recessof the shaving razor cartridge containerthrough the respective shaving razor cartridge container access opening.

In one example, the shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemmay comprise the first shaving razor cartridge containerA adjacent to the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, which is adjacent to the third shaving razor cartridge containerC. At least a portion of at least one of the first, second, or third shaving razor cartridge containersA-C may be in contact with at least a portion of at least one other of the first, second, or third shaving razor cartridge containersA-C. At least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may be in contact with at least a first portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and at least a second portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB different from the first portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB may be in contact with at least a portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC.

In one example, at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may overlap at least a first portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and at least a second portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB different from the first portion of the shaving razor cartridge containerB may overlap at least a portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC. The portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may overlap the first portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, for example, by at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and/or the second portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB may overlap the portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC, for example, by greater than 0% but less than 5% and/or less than 3% of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC.

In one example, at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may overlap at least a first portion of a second shaving razor cartridge containerB; at least a second portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB different from the first portion of the shaving razor cartridge containerB may overlap at least a first portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC; and at least a second portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC may overlap at least a portion of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD. The portion of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may overlap the first portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, for example, by at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB; the second portion of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB may overlap the first portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC, for example, by greater than 0% but less than 5% and/or less than 3% of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC; and the second portion of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC may overlap the portion of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD, for example, by at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD.

As best seen in, at least a portion of one of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallsA-D of one of the first, second, third, and fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D is adjacent to and/or is in contact with and/or overlaps at least a portion of one other of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallsA-D of the first, second, third, and fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D. In one example, portions of two or more of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallsA-D of the first, second, third, and fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D are adjacent to and/or in contact with and/or overlap with each other. In one example, at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA is adjacent to and/or is in contact with and/or overlaps at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB. In one example, at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC is adjacent to and/or is in contact with and/or overlaps at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD.

In one example, each first shaving razor cartridge container wallA-D may comprise an angle θ of greater than 90° and/or greater than 100° and/or greater than 110° with respect to the respective shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA-D. In one example, the first shaving razor cartridge container wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA comprises an angle θ of greater than 90° and/or greater than 100° and/or greater than 110° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA; and the first shaving razor cartridge container wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB comprises an angle θ of greater than 90° and/or greater than 100° and/or greater than 110° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallB. In one example, the first shaving razor cartridge container wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC comprises an angle θ of greater than 90° and/or greater than 100° and/or greater than 110° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallC; and the first shaving razor cartridge container wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD comprises an angle θ of greater than 90° and/or greater than 100° and/or greater than 110° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallD.

In one example, the first shaving razor cartridge container wallA-D of at least one of the shaving razor cartridge containersA-D may be tapered, in which the tapered wall forms an angle β of from about 20° to less than 90° relative to the first wallor the second wallof the sleevewhen the shaving razor cartridge containerA-D is present in the sleeve. For example, as shown in, the first shaving razor cartridge container wallC of the shaving razor cartridge containerC forms the angle β relative to the first wall.

In one example, the second shaving razor cartridge container wallsA-D may be substantially perpendicular to the respective shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA-D. In one example, the second shaving razor cartridge container wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA comprises an angle (not labeled) of about 90° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA; the second shaving razor cartridge container wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB comprises an angle (not labeled) of about 90° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallB; the second shaving razor cartridge container wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC comprises an angle (not labeled) of about 90° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallC; and the second shaving razor cartridge container wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD comprises an angle (not labeled) of about 90° with respect to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallD.

In one example, at least a portion of each shaving razor cartridge containerA-D may comprise a rimA-D (collectively referred to herein with reference numeral) that extends at least partially around a perimeter of the respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingA-D, and at least a portion of each shaving razor cartridge containerA-D may comprise an outer surface portionA-D (collectively referred to herein with reference numeral). In one example, the outer surface portionA-D of the shaving razor cartridge containersA-D may comprise the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA-D. When the shaving razor cartridgeis present in the shaving razor cartridge container recess, the shaving razor cartridgemay be adjacent to the shaving razor cartridge container recess wall.

As shown in, the first shaving razor cartridge containerA comprises a first width WA, the second shaving razor cartridge containerB comprises a second width WB, the third shaving razor cartridge containerC comprises a third width WC, and the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD comprises a fourth width WD. The first, second, third, and fourth shaving razor cartridge containersA-D may be arranged such that the portion(s) of the first and second shaving razor cartridge containersA,B overlap along the respective first and second width WA, WB by, for example, at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the respective widths WA, WB; the portion(s) of the second and third shaving razor cartridge containersB,C overlap along the respective second and third width WB, WC by at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the respective widths WB, WC; and the portion(s) of the third and fourth shaving razor cartridge containersC,D overlap along the respective third and fourth width WC, WD by at least 10% and/or by at least about 20% and/or by at least about 33% of the respective widths WC, WD.

In particular, with reference to, at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may overlap at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC may similarly overlap at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD. At least a portion of the rimA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA extending along the first shaving razor cartridge container wallA may overlap at least a portion of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and at least a portion of the rimB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB extending along the first shaving razor cartridge container wallB may overlap at least a portion of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA. At least a portion of the rimB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB extending along the second shaving razor cartridge container wallB may overlap at least a portion of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC, and at least a portion of the rimC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC extending along the second shaving razor cartridge container wallC may overlap at least a portion of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB. At least a portion of the rimC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC extending along the first shaving razor cartridge container wallC may similarly overlap at least a portion of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD, and at least a portion of the rimD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD extending along the first shaving razor cartridge container wallD may similarly overlap at least a portion of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC.

At least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may contact at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC may contact at least a portion of the first shaving razor cartridge container wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD. At least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge container wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may contact at least a portion of the adjacent second shaving razor cartridge container wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, and at least a portion of the second shaving razor cartridge container wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC may contact at least a portion of the adjacent second shaving razor cartridge container wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD.

One or more portions of the rimA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA that overlap the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB may also contact one or more portions of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallB, and one or more portions of the rimB of the second shaving razor cartridge containerB that overlap the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA of the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may also contact one or more portions of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA. One or more portions of the rimC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC that overlap the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD may also contact one or more portions of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallD, and one or more portions of the rimD of the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD that overlap the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallC of the third shaving razor cartridge containerC may also contact one or more portions of the shaving razor cartridge container recess wallC.

In one example, with reference to the detailed view of, at least one of the shaving razor cartridges, e.g., shaving razor cartridgeA, comprises at least one blade, for example, at least two blades and/or at least three blades and/or at least four blades and/or at least five blades. The shaving razor cartridgeA is positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container recessA of the shaving razor cartridge containerA such that the at least one bladefaces away from the shaving razor cartridge container access openingA when the shaving razor cartridgeA is received in the shaving razor cartridge container recessA. In the example shown in, the shaving razor cartridge containerA is depicted as including an optional lid. The shaving razor cartridgesB-D and shaving razor cartridge containersB-D may comprise a substantially similar structure, in which the shaving razor cartridgesB-D are positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container recessB-D of their respective shaving razor cartridge containersB-D such that the at least one blade faces away from the shaving razor cartridge container access openingB-D.

As shown in, the plurality of shaving razor cartridgesmay be releasably received within, retained in, and dispensed from, the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers. For example, the first wall, the second wall, and the side walls,of the sleevemay further define at least one end openingA,B (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) dimensioned to receive into and dispense from the sleeve cavityof the sleeveat least one shaving razor cartridge container. At least one of the end openings, for example, the first end openingA and/or the second end openingB, may be configured to receive into and/or dispense from the sleeve cavityof the sleeveat least one of the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers. As shown in, the first end openingA may be dimensioned to receive into and dispense from the sleeve cavityof the sleeveat least one shaving razor cartridge container. To aid in the receiving and/or dispensing, the sleevemay further comprise a cutout. For example, the first and/or second wall,may comprise the cutoutat one or more of the end openings. The cutout, when present, may form at least a part of at least one of the end openings, for example, the first end openingA. In one example, as shown in, the first wallmay comprise the cutout. In one example, the second wallmay comprise a cutout(not shown). In one example, both the first walland the second wallmay comprise a cutout(not shown).

The cutoutmay be configured to permit access to at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridge containersduring dispensing by a user. In particular, the cutoutmay facilitate grasping of a shaving razor cartridge containercontaining a shaving razor cartridgeby a user, for example, by grasping a shaving razor cartridge container wall, especially if the shaving razor cartridge container wallis angled, as described herein. By grasping the shaving razor cartridge container, the user avoids inadvertently contacting a blade (not labeled) of the shaving razor cartridge. The shaving razor cartridge containerthus provides safety for the user when dispensing, as the shaving razor cartridge containerfunctions as an “overcap” by covering the blades of the shaving razor cartridgecontained therein and preventing a user from contacting a blade of the shaving razor cartridge.

In one example, the sleevemay further comprise one or more pliable tabs, in this case, a first pliable tabA and a second pliable tabB (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral), that protrude or extend, for example, at least partially into the sleeve cavity. “Pliable” as used herein with reference to the tabsmeans that the tabsare easily bent, flexible, foldable, and/or movable between positions under normal consumer use conditions for consumer products, as opposed to being rigid and not designed to be bent and/or movable without sustaining damage, for example without buckling and/or compressing. At least one of the one or more pliable tabsmay be in a first position (not shown), where the pliable tab, prior to bending and/or folding, is substantially coplanar with a respective wall, e.g., the first walland/or the second wall, which permits a shaving razor cartridge containerto slide by the pliable tabwithout the pliable tabengaging the shaving razor cartridge container. In other words, when the pliable tabis in the first position, the pliable tabdoes not engage the shaving razor cartridge containeras the shaving razor cartridge containerslides past the pliable tabwithin the sleeve cavity, e.g., during loading of and/or dispensing from the sleeve cavityof the sleeveof the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers. At least one of the one or more pliable tabsmay be in a second position during loading of and/or dispensing from the sleeve cavityof the sleeveof the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers.

In one example, upon introducing one or more shaving razor cartridge containerscontaining a corresponding shaving razor cartridgeinto the sleeve cavityof the sleevethrough at least one end opening, for example, the first end openingA or the second end openingB opposite the first end openingA, of the sleeve, at least one of the one or more pliable tabs, for example, the first pliable tabA and/or the second pliable tabB, may engage at least one of the shaving razor cartridge containersif the pliable tabsA,B are in the second position, as shown in. When the pliable tabsA,B are in the second position, the pliable tabsA,B protrude into the sleeve cavityof the sleeveand may form a maximum angle α with its respective wall, for example, the first wallor the second wall, of from about 90° to about 170°, for example, or from about 90° to about 105°.

In one example, at least one of the one or more pliable tabs, e.g., the first pliable tabA, may engage at least one of the shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerA, during receiving into and/or dispensing from the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. In another example, when present, the pliable tabB may engage another shaving razor cartridge container, for example, shaving razor cartridge containerD. As shown in, at least one pliable tab, e.g., the first pliable tabA, may engage at least one first shaving razor cartridge container wall, e.g., the first shaving razor cartridge container wallA of the shaving razor cartridge containerA, during receiving into and/or dispensing from the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. In addition, when present, the second pliable tabB may engage at least one first shaving razor cartridge container wall, e.g., the first shaving razor cartridge container wallD of the shaving razor cartridge containersD during receiving into and/or dispensing from the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. In one example, as a user dispenses the shaving razor cartridge containers, e.g., shaving razor cartridge containerA, from the sleeve cavityof the sleeve, one or more first shaving razor cartridge container wallsB-D of the remaining shaving razor cartridge containersB-D may engage one or more of the pliable tabs.

In one example, as at least a portion of the shaving razor cartridge containermoves past, for example, slides past one of the one or more pliable tabswhen the pliable tabis in the second position, the pliable tabmakes an audible noise, for example, a “snap” or “click” sound, that may provide feedback to a user or manufacturer. The feedback may be that the shaving razor cartridge containeris within a certain portion of the sleeve cavityof the sleeveand/or that the shaving razor cartridge containeris secured within the sleeve cavityof the sleeveready to be dispensed by a user. In one example, in addition to making an audible noise when the one or more pliable tabsare in the second position during loading of the shaving razor cartridge containersinto the sleeve cavity, the pliable tabmay make an audible noise, for example, a “snap” or “click” sound when the pliable tabis in the second position during dispensing of the shaving razor cartridge containerfrom the sleeve cavity. Tactile feedback may also be provided by movement of the shaving razor cartridge containerpast one or more of the pliable tabs, which can be perceived by the user or manufacturer and may further confirm that the shaving razor cartridge containeris within a certain portion of the sleeve cavityof the sleeveand/or that the shaving razor cartridge containeris secured within the sleeve cavityof the sleeveready to be dispensed by a user.

With continued reference to, in one example, the sleevemay comprise at least one windowA,B (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral). At least one of the one or more pliable tabs, for example, the first pliable tabA, may be associated with a first windowA in the sleeve. The pliable tab, when associated with the window, may extend at least partially into the sleeve cavityof the sleevefrom the window, specifically from a perimeter of the window, for example, at least one perimeter edgeof the window. The one or more windowsmay be formed in the first walland/or the second wall. In the example shown in, the first wallcomprises the first windowA having a perimeter edgeA from which a pliable tab, e.g., the first pliable tabA, extends at least partially into the sleeve cavityof the sleeve, and the second wallcomprises a second windowB having a perimeter edgeB from which a pliable tab, e.g., the second pliable tabB, extends at least partially into the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. In another example (not shown), the second wallcomprises a window, e.g., the second windowB, having the perimeter edgeB from which one of the pliable tabs, e.g., the second pliable tabB, extends at least partially into the sleeve cavityof the sleeve, and the first wallis devoid of a window. In another example, the first wallcomprises a window, e.g., the first windowA, having the perimeter edgeA from which a pliable tab, e.g., the first pliable tabA, extends at least partially into the sleeve cavityof the sleeve, and the second wallis devoid of a window (see the example shown inand described herein). In a further example, at least one of the first and second walls,, may comprise two or more windows(see the example shown inand described herein).

The first windowA may have a different perimeter than the second windowB. In one example as best seen in, the first windowA is present in the first walland the second windowB is present in the second wall, in which the first windowA has a greater perimeter than the second windowB, i.e., the first windowA comprises at least one dimension that is greater than at least one corresponding dimension of the second windowB. In other examples (not shown), the first and second windowsA,B may comprise substantially similar perimeters.

As shown in, when the sleevecomprises one or more windows, at least a portion of the sleeve cavityof the sleevemay be visible through at least one of the one or more windows. When one or more shaving razor cartridge containersare present within the sleeve cavityof the sleeve, at least a portion of at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridge containersmay be visible through at least one window, when present in the sleeve. When the sleevecomprises one or more windows, at least a portion of the sleeve cavityof the sleevemay be accessible through at least one of the one or more windowsby a user.

In one example, in addition to the first wall, the second wall, and the pair of side walls,, the sleevemay further comprise an overlap flapthat facilitates easier forming of the sleeveby providing a bonding or affixing portion that helps to hold the sleevetogether after the first, second, and pair of side walls,,,have been, for example, folded to form the sleeve. The bonding and/or affixing portion may be adhesively attached to one or more of the first, second, and pair of side walls,,,.

The sleevemay comprise a recyclable material or a biodegradable material or a compostable material or a natural material, such as pulp, for example, wood pulp, or paper or paperboard. In some examples, the sleevemay comprise a contiguous material and may be, for example, formed from a single piece or sheet of material, such as paperboard. In some particular examples, the sleevemay be formed from a single sleeve blank (not shown). The shaving razor cartridge containersA-D may also comprise a recyclable material or a biodegradable material or a compostable material or a natural material, such as pulp, for example, wood pulp, or paper or paperboard. In some examples, the sleeveand the shaving razor cartridge containersA-D may comprise the same material(s).

Even thoughillustrate a four-count shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemand components thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to a shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemcontaining a particular number of shaving razor cartridge containersor shaving razor cartridges. The shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemand/or consumer product dispensing system of the present disclosure may be formed for any suitable number of shaving razor cartridge containersor consumer product containers so long as the sleeveand its sleeve cavityare designed to receive, retain, and dispense such shaving razor cartridge containersor consumer product containers as described herein. In one example, the shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemof the present disclosure comprises a plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers, for example, four to ten, for example, six or eight shaving razor cartridge containerswithin the sleeve cavityof the sleeveof the shaving razor cartridge dispensing system(see).

Referring to, perspective views, exploded views, and cross section views of another possible example of a consumer product dispensing system of the present disclosure, in this case, a shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemof the present disclosure and components thereof are illustrated. The shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemcomprises similar components to the shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemofas described above. The description of those components above applies equally to the example shown in, where applicable. The shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemcomprises a sleeve, which may be hollow. The sleevemay comprise a first wall, a second wallopposite the first wall, and a pair of side walls,that are opposite each other and connect the first walland the second wallto define a sleeve cavityof the sleeve. The sleevemay further comprise one or more pliable tabs, in this case, a first pliable tabA and a second pliable tabB (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) that protrude or extend at least partially into the sleeve cavityof the sleeve.

The shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemmay comprise a plurality of shaving razor cartridgesA-F (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) and a plurality of shaving razor cartridge containersA-F (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral), in which the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containersmay each contain at least one of the plurality of shaving razor cartridges. The plurality of shaving razor cartridgesmay be releasably received within, retained in, and dispensed from, the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers. For example, the first wall, the second wall, and the side walls,of the sleevemay further define at least one end openingA,B (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) configured for at least one of receiving into or dispensing from the sleeve cavityat least one of the plurality of shaving razor cartridge containers.

Each shaving razor cartridge containerA-F may comprise a first shaving razor cartridge container wallA-F (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral); a second shaving razor cartridge container wallA-F (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral); a shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA-F (collectively referred to herein with reference numeral); and first and second end walls (not labeled). The shaving razor cartridge container recess wallA-F and the first and second end walls of each shaving razor cartridge containerA-F extend between and connect the respective first and second shaving razor cartridge container wallsA-F andA-F to define a respective shaving razor cartridge container recessA-F (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) that receives at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridgesA-F and a respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingA-F (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral) through which at least one of the one or more shaving razor cartridgesA-F is removed from the shaving razor cartridge containerA-F during use. In one example, the shaving razor cartridge dispensing systemmay comprise a first shaving razor cartridge containerA containing a first shaving razor cartridgeA; a second shaving razor cartridge containerB containing a second shaving razor cartridgeB; a third shaving razor cartridge containerC containing a third shaving razor cartridgeC; a fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD containing a fourth shaving razor cartridgeD; a fifth shaving razor cartridge containerE containing a fifth shaving razor cartridgeE; and a sixth shaving razor cartridge containerF containing a sixth shaving razor cartridgeF.

With continued reference to, the sleevemay further comprise one or more shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral). One or more inner wallsmay define the two or more shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B within the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. At least one of the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B may be configured to receive, retain, and/or dispense one or more of the shaving razor cartridge containers, when present within the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B and the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. In the example shown in, the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B comprise substantially similar dimensions, such that the sleeveis substantially symmetrical. In other examples (not shown), one of the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B may comprise a dimension that is different from the other of the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B, e.g., one of the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B may be wider than the other, to, for example, accommodate shaving razor cartridge containersof differing sizes (not shown) and/or different types of consumer product containers,,(see).

At least one of the inner wallsmay be attached to at least one of the first and second walls,of the sleeve. At least one of the inner wallsmay comprise an inner wall flapthat, when present, may assist in the attaching of the inner wallto the first and/or second walls,. For example, the inner wall flapmay facilitate easier forming of the sleeveby providing a bonding or affixing portion that helps to hold the sleevetogether after the first, second, and pair of side walls,,,have been, for example, folded to form the sleeve. The bonding and/or affixing portion may be adhesively attached to one or more of the first, second, and pair of side walls,,,.

At least one of the inner wallsmay extend at least partially between the end openings, i.e., a first end openingA and a second end openingB, of the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. At least one of the inner wallsmay extend at least partially between the first walland the second wallof the sleeveto define the two or more shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B. The two or more shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B may be completely separated from one another by the one or more inner walls, as illustrated in the example shown in. Alternatively, in other examples (not shown), the two or more shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B may be functionally separated from one another, even though at least one of the inner wallsis not fully attached to one or both of the first walland the second wall(in other words, there may be a gap or space between an end of the inner walland the first walland/or the second wall, so long as the inner wallphysically keeps the shaving razor cartridge containersin the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentA from moving into the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentB and vice versa).

In one example, the sleevemay further comprise one or more notchesA,B (referred to herein collectively with reference numeral), also referred to as stop folds. At least one of the one or more notchesis formed by a part of one of the side walls,, and a part of one of the first and second walls,. As shown in, one of the one or more notches, i.e., the first notchA, is formed by a part′ of the side walland a part′ of the second wall, and another one of the one or more notches, i.e., a second notchB, is formed by a part′ of the side walland a part″ of the second wall.

In one example, at least one of the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentsA,B may comprise the one or more notches. At least one notchmay be present at the second end openingB. The notches, when present, may be configured to prevent the shaving razor cartridge containersfrom inadvertently moving, slipping, or falling out of the sleeve cavityof the sleeve. The notches, when present, are configured to contact at least a part of the shaving razor cartridge containerspresent within the sleeve cavityof the sleeve.

Similar to the sleeveshown in, the shaving razor cartridge containerswithin the sleeve cavityof the sleeveshown inmay be positioned in adjacent, alternating positions where the respective shaving razor cartridge container access openingsof adjacent shaving razor cartridge containersface the first wall, the second wall, the first wall, the second wall, etc. In one example, the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may be adjacent to the second shaving razor cartridge containerB, which may be adjacent to the third shaving razor cartridge containerC; and the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD may be adjacent to the fifth shaving razor cartridge containerE, which may be adjacent to the sixth shaving razor cartridge containerF.

In one example, the first shaving razor cartridge containerA may be positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentA with the shaving razor cartridge container access openingA facing the first wallof the sleeve; the second shaving razor cartridge containerB may be positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentA with the shaving razor cartridge container access openingB facing the second wallof the sleeve; and the third shaving razor cartridge containerC may be positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentA with the shaving razor cartridge container access openingC facing the first wallof the sleeve. In this configuration, the second shaving razor cartridge containerB may be positioned adjacent to and between the first and third shaving razor cartridge containersA,C. In one example, the fourth shaving razor cartridge containerD may be positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentB with the shaving razor cartridge container access openingD facing the first wallof the sleeve; the fifth shaving razor cartridge containerE may be positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentB with the shaving razor cartridge container access openingE facing the second wallof the sleeve; and the sixth shaving razor cartridge containerF may be positioned within the shaving razor cartridge container compartmentB with the shaving razor cartridge container access openingF facing the first wallof the sleeve. In this configuration, the fifth shaving razor cartridge containerE may be positioned adjacent to and between the fourth and sixth shaving razor cartridge containersD,F.