[0001] The present invention relates to packaging and recycling of razors for shaving. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to packaging and recycling of cartridge razors.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is common practice in many parts of the world to shave. This may be to remove facial hair, under arm hair, leg hair, or other hair on the body. Most commonly, disposable (or partly disposable) safety razors are used to shave. These safety razors generally comprise a razor head, including one or more blades, from which a handle extends.

[0003] A problem with disposable razors of the prior art is that they are not very environmentally friendly, as the entire razor is disposed of when the blades become blunt.

[0004] In more recent times, cartridge razors have been designed, where the razor head comprises a cartridge which is releasably coupled to the handle. Such configuration enables the razor head to be replaced, rather than the entire razor.

[0005] While such configuration is better for the environment than an entirely disposable razor, large numbers of razor heads are still disposed of on a daily basis.

[0006] It is possible to recycle the metal from the blades by crushing the razor heads and separating the metal from the plastic body. The metal may then be used with other recycled metal.

[0007] A problem with such recycling is that the blades of a razor are formed of a special type of steel designed specifically to be used as a razor blade, which has a very low non-metallic content and very low levels of impurities. As a result, the pure razor steel becomes steel with relatively high levels of impurity when mixed with other metals when recycling.

[0008] It is generally not feasable to separate all different types of steel at a recycling plant, as all different types of products and metals are generally recycled together. As an illustrative example, the sheer manpower associated with separating the different types of steel would be particularly costly.

[0009] Finally, razors are generally sold in bulky packaging, both for safety reasons (because razors are inherently sharp), and for anti-theft reasons (as razors are generally expensive). Such bulky packaging is also bad for the environment.

[0010] As such, there is clearly a need for improved razor packaging and recycling system.

[0011] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to razor packaging and razor recycling systems which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0013] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a razor packaging system including a container, the container having a first configuration for receiving a razor, and a second configuration for receiving one or more spent razor heads for recycling.

[0014] Advantageously, the razor packaging system enables reuse of the container in which the razor is received (e.g. in which the razor is packaged for sale) for spent razor heads for recycling. As a result, a separate container is not needed for spent razor heads, and in turn, the razor packaging system enables more efficient utilisation of resources while separating razor heads from other recyclables.

[0015] Preferably, the container comprises a receptacle portion, on which a closure is releasably attached. The receptacle portion may be transparent or substantially transparent. Such configuration may enable the razor to be displayed in the container, e.g. in a retail context.

[0016] Preferably, substantially an entirety of the container is able to be used to receive spent razor heads in the recycling configuration.

[0017] Preferably, the closure includes an aperture, through which the spent razor heads are received in the second configuration.

[0018] Preferably, the closure includes a support, for supporting the razor in the first configuration. The closure may include a retainer for retaining the razor in the first configuration.

[0019] Preferably, the support functions as a funnel or guide to the aperture in the second configuration.

[0020] Preferably, the aperture includes an anti-return mechanism, to prevent or reduce the likelihood of the spent razor heads exiting the container in the second configuration. The anti-return mechanism may comprise a trap door.

[0021] Preferably, the closure and the receptacle portion have corresponding threaded engagement portions, to enable releasable attachment of the closure to the receptacle portion. Alternatively, the closure and the receptacle portion may include tabs and cutouts, which engage with each other.

[0022] Preferably, the first configuration is a display configuration and the second configuration is a recycling configuration.

[0023] Preferably, the recycling configuration is inverted with reference to the display configuration.

[0024] Preferably, the receptacle portion comprises a substantially planar end from which one or more sidewalls extend. Such configuration may enable the end to function as a base when the container is inverted in the recycling configuration.

[0025] Preferably, the one or more side walls extend downwardly from a periphery of the end. The end may be circular in plan view.

[0026] The container may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The container may be substantially cuboid in shape. The container may have rounded edges.

[0027] The container may be substantially axially symmetrical.

[0028] Preferably, the container includes one or more identification indicia. The identification indicia may correspond to a unique code associated with the container and/or the razor. The unique code may comprise a serial number.

[0029] The identification indicia may be printed on the container.

[0030] The system may include product lifecycle tracking based at least in part on identification indicia. The product lifecycle tracking may be blockchain based. The product lifecycle tracking may include a rewards system. The rewards system may include a lottery.

[0031] The container may be configured to be posted, with spent razor heads therein, to a recycling centre. [0032] Preferably, the closure and receptacle portion are formed of plastic.

[0033] The razor may include a spherical body.

[0034] The razor head may comprise disposable cartridges comprising one or more blades.

[0035] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a razor recycling system including: a container, for receiving spent razor heads, the container including an identifier associated with a user; and a recycling station, configured to receive containers containing one or more spent razor heads for recycling, the recycling station further configured to read the identifier on the container, wherein rewards are allocated to the user according to the read identifier when razor heads are received for recycling.

[0036] Preferably, the container comprises a container in which a razor, from which the spent razor heads come, was initially provided. As such, the container may comprise a dual- purpose container, namely a display container for the razor and a recycling container for the spent razor heads.

[0037] Preferably, the recycling system includes a blockchain including the identifier associated with the user. Suitably, the blockchain is updated when the container is received for recycling.

[0038] Preferably, the rewards include tokens for use in a lottery. Suitably, the blockchain includes a smart contact relating to the lottery.

[0039] Preferably, the recycling system is further configured to manufacture razors and/or razor heads, at least in part using the recycled material.

[0040] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0041] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a razor recycling system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a razor in packaging of the system of Figure

I , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates the packaging of Figure 2 in a recycling configuration, thereby defining a container for razor cartridges.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a receptacle portion of the packaging of Figure 2.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates an end view of the receptacle portion of Figure 4.

[0048] Figure 6 illustrates an end view of a closure of the packaging of Figure 2.

[0049] Figure 7 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a closure of packaging, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary lifecycle associated with the razor recycling system of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a razor in packaging, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 10 illustrates a razor recycling method, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of razor packaging, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 12 illustrates an end view of the razor packaging of Figure 11 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a closure of the razor packaging of Figure

I I , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the closure of Figure 13, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 15 illustrates a inside view of the closure of Figure 13, with a hinged door removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 16 illustrates an end view of a hinged door of the closure of Figure 13, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of the hinged door of Figure 16, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a razor recycling system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The razor recycling system 100 provides an environmentally friendly way of displaying and recycling razor heads (cartridges), rewarding users for recycling the cartridges, and in a transparent manner using blockchain, as outlined below.

[0062] In use, a user 105 is provided with a razor 110 in packaging 115. The user 105 may purchase the razor 110 online, in a retail store, or be gifted the razor 110. The packaging 115 provides a convenient way for the razor 110 to be stored, displayed and transported in a safe and aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0063] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the razor 110 in the packaging 115, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The packaging 115 comprises a closure 205, on which a transparent receptacle portion 210 is installed. The razor 110 is supported by the closure 205 such that the closure 205 functions as a base and the razor 110 is visible through the transparent receptacle portion 210 in a display configuration.

[0065] The packaging 115 includes identification indicia 215 thereon in the form of a unique serial number, the unique serial number associated with the packaging and/or the razor. Other forms of identification indicia that may be used in other embodiments include machine readable indicia, such as barcodes, QR codes and the like.

[0066] When the razor 110 is packaged at a manufacturer 120, a unique code is generated for the packaging 115 and/or the razor 110. The unique code is applied to the packaging 115 in the form of the identification indicia 215, e.g. using a printer, and the unique code is provided to a central server 125.

[0067] The server 125 includes a blockchain, which may be shared with one or more other servers or computing devices. When the unique code is provided to the server 125, it is either added to an existing blockchain, or a new blockchain is created for that code (and thus packaging 115 and/or the razor 110). The blockchain is used for product life-cycle tracking, and to provide a rewards/giveaway system, as outlined in further detail below.

[0068] When the user receives the razor 110 and packaging 115, he or she is prompted to log onto the central server 125 using a computing device 130, such as a smartphone, to register the razor 110 and/or packaging 115. This may be achieved using a portal, in which the user may register, identify him or her self, and enter serial numbers (or other codes) of their products. Similarly, an application (app), which is in communication with the server 125, may be provided in which the user may enter details of a serial number, or scan a code (e.g. a bar code) including the unique code.

[0069] During such registration, the unique code, and thus the packaging 115 and/or the razor 110, is associated with the user 105 in the blockchain. In this regard, the blockchain runs smart contract components within it, which include a product-lifecycle smart contract relating to the packaging 115 and/or the razor 110. The blockchain may comprise an Ethereum blockchain that operates as a private network.

[0070] The user may interact with and identify him or her self with the system and server 125 in any suitable manner including by using a username and password, or using third party account information (e.g. information from social media).

[0071] As best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the packaging 115 provides a dual function of a) displaying the razor 110, as outlined in Figure 2, and b) receiving spent cartridges from the razor 110 for recycling, as outlined in Figure 3. As such, the packaging 115 of the razor is not wasted, like traditional razor packaging.

[0072] As best illustrated in Figure 2, the closure 205 comprises a centrally located support 220, which is extends towards and inside of the packaging 115. The support 220 is configured to support a body 110a of the razor 110 and functions to elevate the razor 110 such that an entirety of the razor 110 is clearly visible through the transparent receptacle portion 210. As such, the packaging 115 comprises a compact, yet visually attractive way of displaying the razor 110. [0073] The closure 205 has a central aperture 225, which is at a centre of the closure 205 and thus the support 220 and in which a lower portion of the body 110a of the razor 110 is received. As such, the central aperture 225 is not visible when the razor packaging 115 is in a display configuration with the razor 110 therein, as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0074] The transparent receptacle portion 210 is coupled to the closure 205 by a threaded coupling. Such configuration provides easy access to an inside of the packaging 115 by allowing the receptacle portion 210 to simply be unscrewed from the closure 205. The razor 110 may then be removed from the packaging 115, and the receptacle portion 210 re-attached to the closure 205 to thereby provide a recycling container for receiving spend cartridges.

[0075] Figure 3 illustrates the packaging 115 in a recycling configuration, i.e. with the razor removed and the packaging 115 inverted, thereby defining a recycling container.

[0076] The aperture 225 and the support 220 function as a funnel from an outside of the container to an inside thereof, through which spent cartridges 110b are received. The funnel functions both to guide the cartridges 110b into the container, but also to prevent the cartridges 110b from inadvertently falling out of the container.

[0077] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the transparent receptacle portion 210 and Figure 5 illustrates an end view of the transparent receptacle portion 210.

[0078] As best illustrated in Figure 4, the receptacle portion 210 comprises a substantially planar roof (end) 210a from which a sidewall 210b downwardly extends to an opening 210c. The side wall 210 extends downwardly from a periphery of the substantially planar roof 210a.

[0079] As the roof 210a is substantially planar, it functions as a base when the packaging is inverted in a recycling configuration.

[0080] Finally, the receptacle portion 210 includes a threaded engagement portion 21 Od, which engages with a corresponding threaded engagement portion of the closure 205.

[0081] Figure 6 illustrates an end view of the closure 205, which clearly illustrates that the aperture 225 is centrally located in plan view, at a centre of the support 220.

[0082] The closure 205 and the receptacle portion 210 are axially symmetric, and therefore have the same appearance regardless of rotation.

[0083] In some embodiments, the closure 205 includes a self-closing door or flap (trap door) covering the aperture, to prevent spent cartridges 110b from falling out of the container. [0084] Figure 7 illustrates a side cross sectional view of a closure 705, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The closure 705 is identical to the closure 205, but with the addition of a trap door 705.

[0085] The trap door 705 opens inwards towards and inside of the container, and thereby lets razor cartridges into the container. The door 705 is self-closing, and as such, contains the cartridges in the container.

[0086] The aperture 225 may be configured to receive the cartridges 110b while the cartridges are still attached to the razor body 110a. The aperture, or a portion of the packaging 115 or closure 205, may be adapted to assist removal of the cartridge 110b from the body 110a (e.g. without requiring the user to touch the cartridge).

[0087] Once the container is full of spent cartridges 110b, the user posts (or otherwise arranges for the cartridges) to be delivered to a recycling centre 135. Here the container, and in particular the serial number from the identification indicia 215 is entered (or scanned), and details of same are sent to the server 125.

[0088] The product-lifecycle smart contract is updated to include details of the recycled cartridges 110b, and rewards tokens are generated, and assigned to the user. A rewards contract in the blockchain is updated to include details of the tokens.

[0089] The tokens are used in a lottery, in which one or more prizes or awards are allocated to users according to the tokens. In particular, a lottery, in which the tokens are considered like tickets, is performed, and one or more winners are determined and notified. The winners may be awarded physical prizes (e.g. a new razor, or razor heads), or prizes in the form of discounts.

[0090] The reward contract is updated and reset enabling the lottery to be run continuously.

[0091] The use of blockchain in both the lottery, and in relation to the recycling, provides transparency, and enables users to have confidence in both the recycling and lottery aspects of the system.

[0092] In alternative embodiments, rewards may be provided independent of a lottery. As an illustrative example, users may be allocated credits based upon the number of razor heads being recycled. The rewards may alternatively again, comprise points, or a virtual reward.

[0093] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary lifecycle associated with the razor recycling system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0094] Razors and razor heads (cartridges) are manufactured in a manufacturing facility 805, where the razors are provided in packaging for display (retail packaging). The packaging includes a unique identifier.

[0095] The razors are sold in their retail packaging, as illustrated in 810. This may be in an online or bricks and mortar store. As outlined above, the retail packaging displays the razor in a visually effective manner.

[0096] The razors are then received by users, upon which the packaging is opened, and the razor is removed, as illustrated in 815. The user then registers the razor and/or packaging using the unique identifier.

[0097] The packaging is then closed and inverted to provide a recycling container for razor heads, as illustrated in 820.

[0098] The recycling container is then used to receive spent razor heads (cartridges) as they are used, as illustrated in 825. The heads may be received directly into the container.

[0099] When the recycling container is full, the container including the spent razor heads is shipped to a recycling facility 830, upon which the razor heads are recycled. The recycling facility 830 identifies the razor heads based upon the unique identifier, and allocates the recycling of the razor heads to the user.

[00100] Materials from the recycling facility 830 are then used in the manufacturing facility 805, and the process so continues.

[00101] While the above example illustrates a razor having a spherical body, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the packaging may be used with razors of any shape or type, including traditional (stick) cartridge razors.

[00102] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a razor 905 in packaging 910, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[00103] The packaging 910 is similar to the packaging 115, but adapted for a traditional (stick) razor 905.

[00104] As the handle of the razor 905 is relatively thin, a mount may be provided at a base of the razor 905 to engage with the aperture 225, thereby enabling the razor 905 to mount to the aperture 225 and/or closure 205.

[00105] Figure 10 illustrates a razor recycling method 1000, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 1000 may be similar or identical to the method performed by the system 100.

[00106] At step 1005, details of a razor product entered onto a blockchain according to a unique identifier. This may be performed at a time of manufacture, for example, and the unique identifier is provided on packaging of the product.

[00107] At step 1010, a user enters the unique identifier of the received product. The user may enter this as part of a registration process associated with the product.

[00108] At step 1015, the blockchain is updated to include details of the user in association with the product.

[00109] At step 1020, the user fills packaging of the product with spent razor heads (cartridges). This step is generally performed over a period of time (e.g. 3 or 6 months), as the user uses the razor.

[00110] At step 1025, the user sends the packaging with the spent razors to a recycling facility for recycling.

[00111] At step 1030, the recycling facility enters the identifier of the received packaging.

[00112] At step 1035, the blockchain is updated to include details of the recycling,

[00113] At step 1040, tokens are generated for a lottery, and allocated to the user, based upon receipt of the razor heads for recycling.

[00114] At step 1045, the blockchain is updated to include details of tokens.

[00115] At step 1050, winner(s) of the lottery is/are determined according towinning token(s).

This may be performed in any suitable manner.

[00116] Finally, at step 1055, the blockchain is updated to include details of the winning token(s).

[00117] The use of blockchain in the method 1000 provides transparency in relation to the recycling, and in relation to the lottery. As such, users can have confidence that the recycling is performed as indicated, and that the lottery is properly managed.

[00118] The methods and systems described above provide a more sustainable product, as the packaging is reused as a recycling container. The use of blockchain enables transparency in relation to the lifecycle and sustainability of the products as the user may see from where the product came, and what happened to it after it is spent.

[00119] Furthermore, the use of lotteries incentivises users to recycle, and engage with the system. Lotteries and other giveaways may also be used to encourage the user to interact with the system, including referring friends.

[00120] As the lotteries are run on the blockchain, total transparency around the process may be provided.

[00121] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of razor packaging 1100, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The packaging 1100 is similar to the packaging 115 and is illustrated in Figure 11 in a recycling configuration, i.e. with a razor removed and the packaging 1100 inverted, thereby defining a container.

[00122] Like the packaging 115, the packaging 1100 provides a dual function of a) displaying a razor having a spherical handle, similar to the razor 110, e.g. for sale, and b) receiving spent cartridges from the razor for recycling. As such, the packaging 115 of the razor is not wasted, like traditional razor packaging.

[00123] The packaging 1100 includes a transparent (or semi-transparent) container portion 1105, with a closure 1110 attached thereto. The closure 1110 includes an opening 1115 with which a hinged door 1120 (trap door) is attached. The hinged door 1120 enables spent blades from the razor to be put into the container portion 1105 for later recycling, and prevents spent blades from inadvertently leaving the container portion 1105.

[00124] The closure 1110 further includes a dome-shaped recess 1125 on an outer surface thereof, to enable the razor, which has a spherical handle, to be stored thereon between use. In particular, the dome-shaped recess 1125 corresponds in shape at least partly to a lower portion of the spherical handle. As such, the packaging 1100 may conveniently be stored in a bathroom or similar area as both a holder for the razor as well as for storage of spent blades.

[00125] As outlined above, the packaging 1100 also functions for displaying of the razor, e.g. for retail sale. As best illustrated in Figure 14, an inside of the closure 1110 includes a retaining member 1130, extending from an inside of the closure 1110 towards an inside of the packaging, which is configured to engage with a base (handle) of the razor in a press-fit arrangement. In particular, the base of the razor includes an aperture in which the retaining member 1130 is received in the display (retail) configuration.

[00126] The closure 1110 includes a ledge 1135 separating an internal and external parts thereof. The internal part of the closure 1110 is received in an open end of the container portion 1105, and includes tabs 1140 which engage with corresponding cutouts of the container portion 1105 to retain the closure 1110 to the container portion 1105. The external part of the closure 1110 and the ledge 1135 provide a continuous outer body with the container portion 1105 when assembled. This ensures that the packaging has no sharp edges, making it well suited for postage.

[00127] As best illustrated in Figures 16-17, the hinged door 1120 comprises a central body 1145, from which a door portion 1150 extends. The central body 1145 includes tabs and retainers 1155, which engage with corresponding tabs and retainers 1160 of the closure 1110, to providing pivoting of the hinged door 1120, thereby enabling the door to open and close.

[00128] The central body 1145 includes a central aperture 1165, through which the retaining member 1130 extends. When the retaining member 1130 is used to retain the razor, e.g. in the display (retail) configuration, the spherical handle of the razor also functions to retain the hinged door 1120 in a closed position.

[00129] In use, the packaging is provided with a razor (and potentially blades) therein. The closure 1110 is removed from the container portion 1105. The razor is attached to the closure 1110 by the retaining member 1130.

[00130] The razor is removed from the retaining member 1130 (and thusclosure), any blades in the container portion 1105 are removed, and the closure 1110 is reattached to the container portion.

[00131] The packaging 1100 is then inverted such that the closure 1110 is at the top. The razor may then be positioning on the closure 1110 (i.e. in the dome-shaped recess 1125) until it is needed.

[00132] When the blade is worn (spent), the head of the razor may be pushed into the container through the door 1120. At this time, the head may be placed under an edge of the opening 1115 and the handle withdrawn, to thereby separate the head of the razor from the handle, and allowing the head to fall into the container. A new razor head may be installed onto the razor and the entire process repeated.

[00133] When all of the blades are spent (or the container is full), the entire container may be posted to a recycling facility. In such case, it may be crushed, and the blade metal separated from the plastic for recycling.

[00134] While the container is illustrated as being transparent (or semi-transparent), it need not be transparent. In one embodiment, the container is entirely opaque. [00135] While not illustrated, the container may include a unique code or indicia, as outlined in other embodiments above.

[00136] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00137] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or 'in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00138] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.