U.S. patent application number 10/144634 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-27 for container suitable for dispensing wet wipes.
Invention is credited to Menif, Rached, Stulens, Marielle Jeannine Coletta, Tack, Joris Jozef Gustaaf.
Application Number | 20030038041 10/144634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8184970 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030038041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stulens, Marielle Jeannine Coletta
; et al. |
February 27, 2003 |
Container suitable for dispensing wet wipes
Abstract
This invention relates to containers suitable for dispensing
wipes comprising a dispensing opening that extends over more than
one side.
Inventors: |
Stulens, Marielle Jeannine
Coletta; (Meldert, BE) ; Menif, Rached;
(Longueville, BE) ; Tack, Joris Jozef Gustaaf;
(Keerbezgen, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
8184970 |
Appl. No.: |
10/144634 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/205 ;
206/210; 206/494; 206/812 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/0847
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/205 ;
206/812; 206/210; 206/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/24; B65D
075/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 14, 2001 |
EP |
01870101.1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A rigid container comprising a top, and side walls, and having a
dispensing opening extending over the top and at least one side
wall.
2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing opening
is covered by a sealing flap.
3. A container according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing opening
is covered by a flexible adhesive film.
4. A container according to claim 1 wherein the dispensing opening
is covered by a rigid adhesive sealing device.
5. A container according to claim 1 which comprises a bottom
loading opening.
6. A container according to claim 5 wherein said loading opening is
covered with a flexible sealing film or sheet.
7. A container according to claim 5 wherein said loading opening is
covered with a resealable cover.
8. A container according to claim 1 comprising wet wipes.
9. A process of loading a rigid container according to claim 1 with
wipes comprising the steps of loading the wipes into the container
via the bottom loading opening then sealing the bottom opening
closed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to containers suitable for
dispensing wet wipes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Containers suitable for dispensing wet wipes are known in
the art. Flexible containers comprising wet wipes are described in,
for example, WO91/04920. The prior art also describes rigid
containers suitable for dispensing wet wipes in, for example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,791,465.
[0003] In order to allow the consumers convenient access to the
wipes, containers generally comprise a dispensing opening. In the
containers of the prior art these openings are generally situated
on the upper face of the container. In order to prevent egress of
moisture from the wipes, known containers generally comprise a lid
or sealing device. Said sealing devices or lids can usually be
repeatedly opened and resealed.
[0004] A problem with the rigid containers of the prior art is that
consumers find it difficult to access the wipes within the
container. Some consumers, having larger than average fingers, find
it inconvenient to reach into the dispensing opening in order to
select, grip and remove a wipe. Other consumers, especially the
elderly and disabled, lack dexterity and find it difficult to grip
the wipes by making relatively small movements with the fingers.
The difficulties of removing the wipes are compounded by the
limited visibility afforded by the dispensing openings of the prior
art containers. It is especially difficult to reach deep into the
wipes container in order to remove the last wipe.
[0005] A further problem with the containers of the prior art is
that it is difficult to remove multiple wipes simultaneously. In
the event that the consumer suddenly needs multiple wipes as
quickly as possible, for example, to clean a spillage, it is very
difficult to reach into, grip the multiple wipes and pull them from
the container without damaging the wipes, damaging the container,
squeezing the moisture from the wipes and/or abrading the skin
against the edges of the container.
[0006] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to
provide a rigid container from which wipes can be more easily
removed. Rigid containers having a top, and side walls, and having
a dispensing opening extending over the top and at least one side
wall, according to the present invention, meet the aforementioned
objective.
[0007] Containers according to the present invention have a number
of advantages compared to alternative containers.
[0008] Rigid containers having a top and side walls ("rigid
containers") are preferable due to their more robust construction
that allows them to withstand scratches and small cuts without
damaging the contents of the package. Rigid containers also have a
more predictable size therefore allowing them to be more easily
stacked and displayed in the retail outlet and in the home. The
rigidity of the container protects the contents from external
pressure therefore preventing the wipes being squashed out of shape
or having the moisture squeezed from the wipes so that they have
uneven loading of moisture.
[0009] Rigid containers according to the present invention comprise
an opening that extends over the top and at least one side wall and
which is preferably covered by a resealable sealing device. Such a
preferred container is advantageous over containers that comprise a
section that is cut, torn or pulled from the packaging to reveal an
opening. One advantage of a resealable seal is that the wipes
package can be opened and resealed as many times as is required
without the moisture evaporating from the wipes. If the opening
section were cut or torn away from the container, the remaining
wipes would dry out soon after opening. A further advantage is that
the consumer does not need to dispose of the section that is torn
from the container. Instead, the sealing device remains
conveniently attached to the container through out the lifetime of
the container.
BACKGROUND ART
[0010] In order to provide a rigid container that comprises wet
wipes and a resealable seal, at least one manufacturer provides a
rigid box comprising three separate sections, namely, the lid, the
body and a flexible container comprising wipes and a resealable
seal. The lid comprises a dispensing opening and is attached to the
main body once the flexible container of wet wipes is loaded into
the main body. In order to access then wipes, the consumer must
open the dispensing opening on the lid, open the resealable seal on
the flexible container, remove the wipe, reseal the flexible
container then reseal the dispensing opening on the lid. Containers
according to the present invention require only one seal to be
opened and closed during use as well as requiring less separate
components to assemble during the manufacturing process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates to a rigid container having a
top, and side walls, and having a dispensing opening extending over
the top and at least one side wall.
[0012] The present invention further encompasses a process of
loading a container according to the present invention with wipes
comprising the steps of loading the wipes into the container via
the bottom loading opening then sealing the bottom opening
closed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention will now be described by way of example and
with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a rigid container according to the present
invention having a top 1, and side walls 2, and having a dispensing
opening extending over the top and at least one side wall. Said
dispensing opening is covered by a sealing device comprising an
adhesive film 4 and a rigid section of material 3.
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a rigid container according to the present
invention in an inverted position having a loading opening sealed
by a film 5.
[0016] It has been surprisingly found that by providing a rigid
container comprising a dispensing opening that allows the user to
access the wipes simultaneously through two faces of the container,
wet wipes can be removed more easily.
[0017] The most preferred method of removing a wipe is to reach
into the container, grip a wipe between thumb and forefinger then
pull the wipe from the container. The provision of a dispensing
opening which extends over two sides of the container has a number
of benefits, including improved access to the wipe, improved reach
into the container, improved visibility of the wipes before and
during the removal process and improved ability to remove multiple
wipes simultaneously. In particular, the improved access to the
container makes the removal of the last wipe easier.
[0018] As discussed above, the provision of a dispensing opening
extending over the top and one side wall of the container affords
improved access to and removal of the wipes. However, in the
process of developing containers according to the present
invention, we have noticed that the containers according to the
present invention can be further improved by providing a good seal
between a sealing device and the container.
[0019] Indeed, we have observed that it is difficult to obtain a
good seal with containers that comprise a flexible adhesive sealing
film. This is particularly evident once the container has been
opened and closed on several occasions. While this method of
sealing provides a convenient and cost effective seal, it suffers
from the existence of small channels that allow the transfer of air
and moisture through the seal leading to drying of the wipes and,
in the case of scented wipes, egress of perfume. In addition,
inappropriate release of perfume may lead to consumer
dissatisfaction. These channels are formed by wrinkles in the
flexible adhesive film as it is pressed into position on the
surface of the container. The existence of the channels is made
more likely by having a dispensing opening that is situated in a
non-flat surface. The dispensing openings according to the present
invention extend over more than one side of the container therefore
any seal must pass over at least one corner thus leading to
increased difficulty in achieving a greater seal.
[0020] In the process of developing containers according to the
present invention, we have found that an improved seal can be
achieved by providing a sealing device whose shape is pre-organized
to as to closely match the shape of the surface to be sealed. We
have achieved this by increasing the rigidity of the sealing
device. Preferably, the rigid sealing device comprises a rigid
section of material 3 having similar size and shape to the section
of the package that was removed in order to form the dispensing
opening. More preferably, the rigid section is the same section of
material that was cut from the container to form the dispensing
opening. When the rigid sealing device forms a complementary fit,
there is less likelihood of channels forming between the adhesive
surface of the sealing device and the container surface. The rigid
section 3 of the rigid sealing device preferably comprises high
impact polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene teraphtalate, low
density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, medium
density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl
chloride, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The thickness of the
rigid section of the sealing device is preferably from 0.01 mm to
10.00 mm, more preferably from 0.02 mm to 5.00 mm, most preferably
from 0.05 mm to 2.00 mm.
[0021] While preferred embodiments of the present invention
comprise flexible adhesive films and rigid adhesive sealing
devices, the type of sealing device is not restricted to these two
types alone. Indeed, it is envisaged that the dispensing opening
can be sealed by any manner of device including a cover that is
held closed by mechanical means and can be opened by use of a
switch, button or other known process.
[0022] In a highly preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, the container comprises a rigid adhesive sealing device.
Said device preferably comprises a section of flexible adhesive
film 4 which covers the dispensing opening and extends beyond the
perimeter of said dispensing opening so as to form a seal with the
container surface surrounding the dispensing opening. The sealing
device additionally comprises a rigid section of material 3 that
substantially covers the dispensing outlet. Preferably, said rigid
section of material is the material that is cut from the container
in order to form the dispensing opening. Said cut out piece of
material may or may not be modified after being cut out. In a
further preferred embodiment, the rigid section of the sealing
device forms a hinge with the container.
[0023] Suitable flexible adhesive films for use in the present
invention are preferably made from paper/plastic laminate or any
laminated coextruded or monolayer polymer. Preferably the thickness
of the laminated film is from 0.001 mm to 3.000 mm, more preferably
from 0.005 mm to 1.500 mm, most preferably from 0.010 mm to 1.000
mm. A preferred laminated film for use in the present invention
comprises 0.1 mm of polyethylene laminated with 0.025 mm of
polypropylene. Preferably, these films additionally comprise a
layer of adhesive. It is preferred that pressure sensitive glue is
used. By pressure sensitive it is meant herein that, within
reasonable limits, the adhesive force of the glue is proportional
to the pressure with which the adhesive laminate is applied to the
bonding surface. The glue is preferably a non-permanent glue such
that the label can be peeled off in order to open and close the
container numerous times. Mactac.RTM. supply a range of suitable
adhesives including the particularly preferred MR 978.RTM.. Another
preferred adhesive is SR6046.RTM. supplied by Fasson Avery.RTM..
Adhesion strength of the glue, measured according to the FINAT test
method, is preferably in the range 0.1N to 100N, more preferable
from 0.5N to 50N, most preferably from 3N to 9N. The FINAT test
method is well known to those skilled in the packaging and labeling
industry and test details are published by FINAT in the FINAT
technical handbook, 4.sup.th Edition, 1995.
[0024] Containers according to the present invention preferably
comprise a loading opening on the bottom side of the container.
Preferably, the wipes are inserted into this opening during the
packaging process upon manufacture. Once the wipes are inside the
container the loading opening is sealed. Preferably, the opening is
sealed with a flexible film or sheet 5. Any suitable film or sheet
known to the skilled person can be used. The bottom film preferably
comprises any polymer material, laminated or monolayer or
coextruded film or sheet. Highly preferred films include laminates
comprising polyethylene teraphtalate and a polyethylene
teraphtalate metallized layer. Further preferred laminates comprise
polyethylene teraphtalate and linear low-density polyethylene. Said
films further comprise a layer of adhesive. Said films are
preferably sealed in place by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing,
high frequency sealing or induction sealing.
[0025] In a further preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, the container is reusable. In this preferred embodiment,
the loading opening is sealed by a resealable cover. The use of a
resealable cover to cover the loading opening allows the consumer
to open the container, refill the container with wipes then reseal
the container. The use of a resealable container leads to less
environmental waste and is appealing to consumers. The loading
opening may be sealed with any film, sheet or device known to the
skilled person. The loading opening is preferably sealed with a
rigid lid or a flexible lid.
[0026] Containers comprising a loading opening and a dispensing
opening have a number of advantages over containers comprising a
dispensing opening alone. In containers comprising a loading
opening, wipes can be conveniently loaded via the loading opening.
Containers that comprise only one opening are limited to loading
via the dispensing outlet. Since the dispensing opening is usually
smaller than the loading opening, the manufacturer must either bend
or misshape the wipes in order to force them through. A rigid
container having a loading opening that is sealed by a flexible
film 5 requires less material than a container with rigid top, side
and bottom walls. The use of less material leads-to cost saving,
less environmental waste and lighter packages which are cheaper to
transport.
[0027] The top and side walls of containers according to the
present invention are preferably manufactured by thermoforming or
injection molding techniques known to those skilled in the art.
Cutting of the dispensing opening can be performed by knives, laser
or ultrasonic. If the container is made by injection molding, the
dispensing opening can be built into the mold and created during
the molding process. Preferred materials for making the top and
sidewalls of the package are high impact polystyrene,
polypropylene, polyethylene teraphtalate, low-density polyethylene,
linear low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene,
high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene. The thickness of the top and side walls of the
box is preferably from 0.01 mm to 10.00 mm, more preferably from
0.02 mm to 5.00 mm, most preferably from 0.05 mm to 2.00 mm
[0028] Containers according to the present invention are rigid. By
"rigid" it is meant that when a container is loaded on the top
side, according to the "Topload Strength Method" disclosed in
DIN55440 or ISO2872, with a mass preferably from 0.1 kg to 25.0 kg,
the horizontal displacement of the container will decrease by less
than 10%, preferably less than 5%. Containers whose horizontal
displacement reduces by more than 10% when loaded with from 0.1 kg
to 25.0 kg are, for the purposes of this invention, flexible.
[0029] Containers according to the present invention may be of any
reasonable length, width and depth. Said containers preferably have
a length of 5 mm to 1000 mm, more preferably from 20 mm to 500 mm
most preferably from 110 mm to 220 mm. Said containers preferably
have a width of 5 mm to 1000 mm, more preferably from 20 mm to 500
mm, most preferably from 80 mm to 150 mm. Said containers
preferably have a depth of 5 mm to 1000 mm, more preferably from 8
mm to 500 mm, most preferably from 20 mm to 80 mm.
[0030] Containers according to the present invention preferably
contain wet wipes. Said wet wipes may be disposable, man-made,
synthetic and/or natural fiber based, pre-moistened or
substantially dry. The wipes may be constructed from a web
comprising a variety of different materials. Such materials may
include synthetic, man-made and natural fibers, cotton fibers,
which are generally moistened with an aqueous or non-aqueous
cleaning composition which may contain amongst others surfactants,
disinfecting agents, preservatives, oils and scents depending on
the use envisaged.
[0031] The wipes may be produced by any method known in the art.
For example, nonwoven material substrates can be formed by dry
forming techniques such as air laying, or wet laying such as on a
paper making machine. Other nonwoven manufacturing techniques such
as melt blown, spun bonded, needle punched, and spun laced methods
may also be used. Preferred methods include air laying, carding and
wet laying
[0032] Pre-moistened or wet wipes, as they are also known,
typically comprise a liquid composition and thus may be utilised in
a variety of applications, both domestic and industrial and perform
a variety of functions. Wipes are commonly used for human cleansing
and wiping such as face and hand cleansing and anal, perineal and
genital cleansing, for example as intimate hygiene wipes, such as
feminine wet wipes. Wet wipes may also be used for application of
substances to the body including removing and applying of make-up,
skin conditioners and medications. Another application of wipes is
during diaper changes and also for the treatment of adult and baby
dermatitis partly caused by the use of diapers and incontinence
devices. Wet wipes may also include articles used for the cleaning
or grooming of pets. One particularly preferred application for wet
wipes is wiping and/or cleaning of hard surfaces and the
application of compositions to surfaces, for example kitchen and
especially bathroom surfaces, spectacles, shoes and surfaces which
require cleaning in industry, for example surfaces of machinery or
vehicles. More preferably wipes are toilet cleaning wipes, most
preferably said wipes are flushable toilet cleaning wipes.
[0033] A variety of webs and liquid compositions suitable for
application to such webs are known and disclosed in the art listed
below. Typically the webs require a binder in order to provide
strength to the web, in particular when wet.
[0034] WO 89/05114 discloses disposable wipes for hard surface
cleaning which are impregnated with a liquid composition and EP-A-0
211 773 discloses a cloth for polishing a car. EP-A-0 113 254
discloses an antimicrobial non-woven fabric. The fabric may be
provided from natural or synthetic fibres or blends thereof.
According to the disclosed invention an antimicrobial agent is
selected which forms a colloidal suspension with a given
conventional binder.
[0035] EP-A-0 233 943 discloses a non-woven wet wipe which is said
to be antimicrobially active. In a preferred embodiment the web for
the wet wipes is provided from wood pulp and comprises a
non-acrylate binder (ethylene vinyl acetate). The wet wipes further
comprise an antimicrobial agent, which is mixed into the binder and
applied to the non-woven web therewith.
[0036] U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,524 discloses an antimicrobial
composition for use with conventional wet wipes and lotions. The
wet wipes can be provided from synthetic or natural fibres or a
combination thereof. According to the disclosed invention the wet
wipes are saturated with a rather high amount of the antimicrobial
composition, indeed, it is taught that the weight of the lotion
should be up to 6 times the weight of the dry wipe.
[0037] The composition loaded onto the wipes that are preferably
used in the present invention is preferably suitable for use as a
cleaning and/or disinfecting composition. The compositions may be
formulated in any suitable form for example as a solid, paste or
liquid. In the case where the compositions according to the present
invention are formulated as solids, they can be applied to the
substrate as a solid or alternatively can be mixed with an
appropriate solvent, typically water, before application to the
substrate. Where the composition is in liquid form, the
compositions are preferably but not necessarily formulated as
aqueous compositions. Liquid compositions are preferred herein for
convenience of use.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment the liquid compositions according
to the present invention are aqueous compositions typically
comprising from 50% to 99.9% by weight of the total composition of
water, preferably from 70% to 99% and more preferably from 80% to
99%. Compositions suitable for use as a cleaning composition
preferably have pH in the range of from 5 to 13, more preferably
from 7 to 13 and most preferably from 8 to 10. Compositions for use
as disinfecting compositions preferably have a pH in the range of
from 0 to 7, more preferably from 1 to 5 and most preferably from 2
to 4. The pH of the compositions can be adjusted by using organic
or inorganic acids, or alkalinising agents, such as sodium
hydroxide.
[0039] The compositions herein may comprise a variety of
ingredients including, but not limited to peroxygen bleach,
disinfecting components, organic acids, surfactants, chelants,
solvents, builders, stabilisers, bleach activators, soil
suspenders, dye transfer agents, brighteners, perfumes, anti
dusting agents, enzymes, dispersant, dye transfer inhibitors,
pigments, perfumes, radical scavengers, pH buffers, dyes or
mixtures thereof.
[0040] The wipes may be packaged in the container in any convenient
configuration which allows easy removal of a single or multiple wet
wipe from the container. Preferably the wipes are packaged in
rolls, stacks, piles or are interleaved. More preferably the wipes
are provided in a stacked configuration which may comprise any
number of wipes. Typically, the stack comprises from 2 to 150, more
preferably from 5 to 100, most preferably from 10 to 60 wipes.
Moreover the wipes may be provided folded or unfolded. Most
preferably, the wipes are stacked in a folded configuration.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, the dispensing opening extends over the top side and one
other side. The area of the dispensing opening on the top side may
be the same as, greater than, or less than the area of the
dispensing opening on the side wall. Preferably, in rigid
containers according to the present invention, the stacking of the
wipes is such that the plane of the wipes is coplanar with the side
of the container that comprises the greatest area of the dispensing
opening.
[0042] Further details of wipes suitable for inclusion in
containers according to the present invention can be found in
European Patent Application EP 00 87 0142
EXAMPLES
[0043] Provided below are, non-limiting, examples A to D of
cleaning compositions which may be incorporated into the wipes of
the present invention.
1 A B C D Ingredient % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w EthanoI 9.4 9.4 9.5
9.5 C12-14 Amine Oxide 0.4 0.4 -- -- Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether
0.55 0.55 -- -- Diethylene Glycol Butyl Ether 0.55 0.55 -- --
Polypropylene glycol mono butyl 0.25 0.25 -- -- ether Silicone
0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 Citric acid 0.75 0.75 -- -- Sodium
hydroxide 0.1 -- -- -- Hydrogen Peroxide -- 1.00 -- -- Salicylic
acid -- 0.03 -- -- BHT -- 0.01 -- -- Geraniol -- 0.0375 0.1 0.1
Thymol -- 0.025 -- -- C12-14 Betaine -- -- 0.2 -- Dobanol 91-8 --
-- 0.8 0.8 C8 alkyl sulphate branched -- -- 0.6 0.6 C10 Amine Oxide
-- -- -- 0.2 Lactic acid -- -- 1.5 1.5 Perfume 0.18 0.0375 0.15
0.15 Water 87.82 86.95 87.15 87.15 Dobanol .RTM. 91-8 is a
C.sub.9-11 EO8 ethoxylated alcohol available from shell
* * * * *